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By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern

My little brother recently got his first truck, and the unique thing about it is that it has a racing engine in it. As a result, for it to run optimally, it needs to have racing fuel put into the tank. While it can run off premium fuel, it does so much better off of the higher-octane race fuel. This idea of something running more properly off higher quality fuel also applies to our bodies. According to registered dietician Beth Czerwony, there are certain foods that fuel us, and there are also foods that fatigue us.

Kinds of foods that fuel:

• Complex carbohydrates – These are carbs that are high in fiber and starch, which makes them harder to break down on a molecular level. This makes them provide your body with a steadier flow of energy.
• Lean proteins – Protein takes even longer to break down than complex carbs, giving you an even longer stream of energy. But lean protein is key, as super fatty meats can actually make you drowsier.
• Fluids – Being dehydrated is a common culprit of feeling fatigued. Getting plenty of water is essential to feeling energized and keeping yourself hydrated.

Kinds of foods that fatigue:

• Caffeinated drinks – A coffee or energy drink is a typical go-to for a burst of energy. But what goes up must come down, and that burst of energy we experience is often followed by a crash in energy.
• Simple carbohydrates and sugars – Simple carbs and sugars are the exact opposite of complex carbs. They are so easy for the body to break down, so they give you a quick burst of energy and a rapid rise in blood sugar. But, like caffeinated drinks, it’s always followed by an energy crash.
• Alcohol – Alcohol is known for its sedative effects on people, which definitely doesn’t energize you. Additionally, aside from the buzz you get while drinking, alcohol disrupts your sleep to where you don’t get quality, restful sleep. It also robs your body of nutrients, which it needs to stay energized.

Czerwony also gives a few tips on other lifestyle factors that can play a role in energy levels. She says that it’s important to eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than skipping meals and then eating large meals, as this takes a toll on your body and causes you to feel tired. She also says that managing stress is important for keeping energy levels high.

So, just like my brother’s truck runs better off of higher quality fuel, our bodies also run better when we fuel it correctly. Arizona agriculture produces lots of healthy foods as sources of fuel for our bodies! Check it out at your local grocery store!

For more health-related articles, check out the Fill Your Plate blog!