Hi I am a female. 26 yrs old.Height 5.2" and weight 50 kg. Could you please advice me for daily healthy diet? Most of the time I feel very low energy.

(January 30, 2012)

Many people nowadays are known to feel lethargic and have low energy levels, despite having rested sufficiently and not having engaged in strenuous activity. Hence, before deciding on a diet for energy you should be aware of what foods are known to lower the energy levels. The diet for energy should ensure that there is a sufficient consumption of alkaline forming foods being consumed which include foods such as dates, parsley, green leafy vegetables, molasses, figs, celery and so on. Similarly the diet for energy should not include the excessive consumption of sugar as this causes spikes in the blood sugar levels which in turn will lower the energy levels.

Many a times an individual may feel low on energy also because of the insufficient intake of water which may also result in dehydration. The diet for energy should also be high in complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, brown bread etc. Alternatively, you must lower the intake of refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta etc. Vitamins for energy should also form part of the diet for energy including B vitamins.


These vitamins breakdown the complex carbohydrates into glucose, which in turn provides the body with energy to perform various metabolic functions. Raw seeds should also form part of the diet for energy because they are an excellent source of polyunsaturated fats and minerals. The diet for energy should also include a sufficient intake of proteins through various natural sources such as vegetables, lean meat, poultry and even shell fish which are known to be excellent low calorie sources of protein, B group vitamins and even minerals and antioxidants which are required for overall good health.

Minerals such as iron should form an essential part of the diet for energy because iron is required by the body to produce hemoglobin. Hemoglobin supplies oxygen to various parts of the body and is thus required for the production of energy. Many a times the person may feel low on energy and be constantly tired or fatigued if the iron levels are low which may also result in anemia. Similarly the diet for energy should also include sources of B12 vitamins which are required for the proper absorption of iron in the body and also for proper digestion. B 12 vitamins are also required for the manufacture of folic acid in the body and red blood cells.
 
To increase the energy levels you could also consume various herbs which are excellent in promoting higher energy levels and also in restoring the internal balance. Ginseng is one such herb that has long been known to be an instant energy booster. It also helps in providing the body with the required support when you are stressed. Green tea is yet another excellent source of energy which is also a natural antioxidant that helps in protecting the body cells. This is mostly on account of the caffeine that is present in green tea.

One of the important minerals that should form part of the diet for energy is magnesium, It is required by the body for the production of the main energy producing molecule i.e. ATP. Hence many a times people who complain of low energy levels or even chronic fatigue syndrome are often found to be deficient in magnesium.