If you’re a physicist, energy is something that exists and changes but cannot be created or destroyed. It could be kinetic or potential, then broken down further into mechanical, electric, gravitational and a dozen other forms. What is sure is that it’s essential to everything that lives and moves on Earth.
I’m not a physicist, but I do know that the human body needs energy to keep going. It’s what powers our muscles and metabolism. Without it, we’d just stop. That’s especially true for children and the physically active, who burn more energy through the day. As we grow older, the need declines, but it never disappears.
Humans get most of their energy from food. A lot of it comes from fats and carbohydrates. Protein is best known for its role in growth and building muscle, but it can also play an important role in energizing the body. These nutritional groups can, in turn, be divided into subcategories with varying degrees of effectiveness as sources of energy.
Fat is often divided into saturated and unsaturated, with unsaturated fats generally considered healthier because there is a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Saturated fat includes many dairy products, such as butter and cheese. Unsaturated fats include vegetable oils and meat. When we burn fat during exercise, it’s because we are using it as a source of energy. If you’re trying to lose weight, too much fat is what you want to avoid.
Carbohydrates are often divided into simple or complex. This can be a pretty complicated division, but it generally means sugary carbs are considered simple, while complex is used to refer to starchy foods (those made with whole grains, such as some flour). Sugar can provide a quick energy boost that also burns out quickly, while starch is longer lasting and probably better for your health in the long run.
If you’re embarking on a new fitness regimen, you’re going to need to think a lot about your energy levels. Not only do you need to make sure you have enough energy to sustain your exercise, but exercise can actually help boost your energy.
That may sound strange, but a good exercise regimen can increase your endorphin levels, filling you with energy and generally making you feel good. Your heart health will improve, which increases your stamina and makes you better able to face a challenging workout. Improvements in your quality of sleep and your ability to focus are also linked to your exercise, in addition to making you more energetic. In the long term, this is likely to improve your mental and physical health alike.
How can you make sure you’re fueled up before you start exercising? You need to ensure you’re eating plenty of carbohydrates, storing up energy for your workout. A balanced diet should provide enough energy for a regular fitness routine, but competitive athletes will probably eat much more. Increase your level of carbohydrates depending on your workout intensity, including eating just before and just after a session.
