6 Foods That Promote Positive Energy Levels and Appetite Control

When your body runs low on energy, it’s easy to reach for quick fixes like caffeinated drinks or sugary snacks.

The problem: While they might provide an immediate fix, these choices don’t contain nutrients your body can use for long-term energy. Worse, they can quickly leave you feeling tired — and really hungry — soon afterward.

A better solution: Focus on foods that fuel your body and mood to help you maintain that energy boost and avoid the hunger pangs that can lead to unhealthy food choices and weight gain.

Here, the team at Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness discusses six delicious, readily available foods that can help you do just that.

1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal for breakfast is a great way to start your day with more energy. Thanks to their high fiber content, oats have plenty of staying power too, so you feel full longer.

By giving your body a steady release of fuel over a longer period, you avoid the mid-morning slump that can have you reaching for unhealthy snacks.

Oatmeal also makes a great base for add-ins, such as dried or fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds like flax or chia. For an added boost, top it with protein-packed Greek yogurt, a delicious and nutritious option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

2. Eggs

Chock full of micronutrients like vitamins B12 and D, eggs are a nutrient-dense food that helps rebuild muscle and convert food into energy your body can readily use. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, hard-boiled eggs also make a protein-rich snack.

Eggs also check the box when it comes to appetite control. Because they take longer to digest, eggs keep you fuller longer than many carb-heavy options, such as white bread or pasta, reducing cravings that can lead to mindless, unhealthy snacking.

3. Leafy greens

Leafy greens might seem too light to stave off hunger cravings. However, these antioxidant-rich foods do an amazing job of boosting natural energy and keeping you full longer — without adding a lot of calories to your diet.

That’s because leafy greens are also full of fiber, and fiber takes longer to digest — meaning you keep food cravings at bay. Greens make a great side dish as well as a base for main dishes, and they combine well with many other foods to use in stir-frys, salads, and smoothies.

4. Beans and lentils

Legumes, such as beans and lentils, are full of protein and fiber, making them a great choice for a steady source of energy. The combination of complex carbs and protein means your body gets fuel that lasts, avoiding spikes in blood sugar (glucose) that can lead to feelings of hunger. 

Beans and lentils are also highly adaptable, ideal for soups, stews, and salads. Adding beans, lentils, soybeans, and other legumes to your lunch or dinner rotation is a good way to avoid late-evening snacking that can lead to unwanted weight gain.

5. Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are nature’s powerhouse foods, offering an ideal balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Together, these nutrients slow digestion and give you steady, long-lasting energy, in addition to their robust nutritional benefits. 

You only need a handful of nuts and seeds to calm your food cravings, and they pair perfectly with other foods, such as oats, leafy greens, and yogurt. They also make a great on-the-go snack for the office, gym, or when running errands.

6. Salmon

Salmon and other fatty fish are rich sources of protein loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that support physical and mental energy. Omega-3 fats also help manage cholesterol levels for long-term health benefits. 

Beyond energy, salmon helps with appetite regulation. Its protein and healthy fat content create a sense of fullness that lasts for hours, reducing the likelihood of cravings — and unhealthy snacking — later on. 

Smart eating for better health

Making these six foods regular parts of your meals and snacks gives your body what it needs to stay energized and balanced without the cravings.

To learn how we can help you adopt a healthier eating plan that suits your lifestyle, preferences, and goals, request an appointment online or over the phone today with the team at Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno, Nevada.