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9 Foods That Give You Energy Naturally

Red grapes, whole and halved pears, honey, and a knife on a wooden table
Reading time:8 min
Published:July 7, 2022

If you’re looking for a natural way to increase your energy level throughout the day, look no further than what you’ve got stocked in your kitchen. People often reach for a quick bite like pastries and popsicles to fuel their bodies, but that doesn’t produce the same quality of energy as homemade banana oatmeal.

So, if pastries aren’t going to get the job done–what foods give you energy?

A combination of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein-based foods is the powerhouse combo that’ll give you the energy you crave.

In this guide, we walk you through nine different foods you can add to your pantry to stay energized and fueled throughout the day.

Eating for Energy: 9 Items to Add to Your Plate

When many people think of energy for the body, they normally think of caffeinated drinks. While caffeine provides energy, it comes with negative effects such as a caffeine crash or fatigue. If you are wondering, why do energy drinks make me tired, it might be because you aren’t absorbing enough energy in your diet.

When it comes to food that gives you good energy, it’s important to find a healthy balance of all three macronutrients—proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—since they’re the fuel that our body converts into energy.

A combination of these three food groups will keep your body fueled for longer than if you were to rely too heavily on one over the others. Below are nine healthy food options that will naturally boost your energy levels, broken down by the macronutrient category they fall in. That way, you can find a comfortable balance between all three while enjoying some yummy, energy-boosting food.