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Feeling sluggish just as you're trying to slim down for spring? Here are a few suggestions from Hungry Girl on what to eat for a diet-friendly energy boost...
Low Glycemic Index Foods
Foods with a high glycemic index (refined pasta, soda, candy, etc.) give you a quick boost of energy and then leave you hanging. However, low "GI" foods release energy slowly, so you don't feel that crash after you eat. Simply put, it's more bang for your buck.
Buy It: Leafy greens, red peppers, onions, beans
Try It: Chicken Fajita Lettuce Cups. We've got an awesome, low-calorie recipe that features the greens, the peppers, and the onions. Lettuce cups are a fun way to eat vegetables if you're tired of munching salads...
Fiber
Since high-fiber foods take a long time to digest, the energy from these is released over a longer period of time. At Hungry Girl, we're already major fiber cheerleaders, so it's not much of a stretch to hear us say, "Go fiber!"
Buy It: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains
Try It: Oatmeal with raspberries. Ah yes, it's a crazy, newfangled concept, but it just might work. There's a reason your mom always wanted you to eat oatmeal -- it's good for you! But if you need a little shove in the right direction, dress it up a little with some raspberries and a bit sugar-free syrup. BTW, raspberries are CRAZY-HIGH in fiber.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The good news is that fats are an essential part of our diet. The bad news is that the fats we're not getting enough of are the ones we really need. Figures. Omega-3 fatty acids provide energy to your super-vital organs, heart, muscles, etc., and we all want to keep those parts energized.
Buy It: Salmon, halibut, boiled cauliflower, baked squash, flaxseeds
Try It: Naturally More Peanut Butter. This stuff is REALLY good and enhanced with flax-seeds. Double score! Don't go nuts (tee hee!) with it because calories and fat grams can add up quickly (2 tbsp. serves up 169 calories and 11g fat), but it's a quick and easy source of those Omega-3s.
B Vitamins
Time to get all science-class on you. B vitamins support the cells and enzymes that break down your food. In order to convert your food into energy, those enzymes need a good supply of B vitamins to keep them going strong. It's all about keeping your body well-fueled. Class dismissed.
Buy It: Whole grains, low-fat yogurt, tuna, bananas
Try It: A quickie energy parfait! Spoon out a scoop of your favorite low-fat yogurt, add some banana slices, more yogurt, more banana, and sprinkle the whole thing with a bit of Zoe's granola cereal. (Zoe's is lower in fat and calories than other granola options.)
Good-Digestion Foods
The better your digestive system is working, the better you feel. A lazy digestive system leaves the rest of you feeling lazy as well. So eat foods that promote good digestion.
Buy It: Ginger, garlic, rosemary, cinnamon, pepper, chili
Try It: Your local sushi joint. That pickled ginger will clear your sinuses AND help your stomach. If you'd rather stay in, whip up a batch of our WOW Kung Pao. It definitely has the chili and garlic covered.
For more tips, check out the Dieter's Guide to Emergency Snacks.
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