Foods That Are A Source Of Energy

Most of the energy you need to move, work and live comes from foods containing carbohydrates. Through digestion and metabolism, your body turns carbohydrates into glucose, which is used to fuel all of your cells. A healthy diet should provide 45 to 65 percent of its calories from carbohydrates, according to MayoClinic.com.

Grains and Starches

The carbohydrates found in grains and starches are the least expensive, most easily obtained and most readily absorbed form of energy, according to "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy." Grains and starches contain complex carbohydrates, which take the body longer to digest and act as a sustained source of energy. Examples of grains and starches include bread, pasta, rice, crackers, barley, legumes, cereal and peas. For health, choose starches made from whole grains. Whole grains provide your body with vitamins and minerals. The B vitamins found in whole grains assist with the metabolism and utilization of the energy in these foods. Whole grains include foods like whole wheat bread, brown rice and whole grain cereal.

Fruits

Fruits also contain carbohydrates and act as a major source of energy for your body. The carbohydrates found in fruits are called simple carbohydrates, requiring minimal digestion and acting as a quick source of energy. However, the fiber found in whole fruits slows down the rate of digestion, allowing for a slower release of glucose into the bloodstream. If you need a quick source of energy, drink a glass of juice. Juice does not contain fiber, and as a simple carbohydrate requires very little digestion. Healthy fruits to eat as a source of energy include apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, melon, canned fruit, dried fruit and 100 percent fruit juice.

Milk and Yogurt

The source of energy for your body in milk and yogurt is called lactose. Lactose is also a simple carbohydrate; however, the fat and protein found in these foods delay digestion, slowing the release of glucose into the bloodstream. For health, choose low-fat and nonfat milk and yogurt products to limit your intake of saturated fat. High intakes of saturated fat increase blood cholesterol levels and your risk of heart disease.

Sweets and Desserts

Sweets and desserts also provide energy in the form of simple carbohydrates. However, sweets and desserts offer very little nutritional value for the amount of energy they supply, and intake should be limited. Examples include refined sugar, jelly, syrup, honey, cake, cookies, ice cream, hard candies and chocolate.