These are food that pack the punch!

Get ready to dump that coffee down the drain. You’re about to be introduced to a group of tasty, healthier energy sources that won’t give you the jitters, make you cranky, or cost $4.75 a cup.

You’re body’s preferred energy source is carbohydrates. But the key is eating the right kinds of carbs, ones that will give you that much-needed energy without sending your energy levels crashing.

The solution? Keep your carb levels on an even keel to avoid those sugary spikes. Since your blood sugar drops four hours after eating, it means eating more frequent, smaller meals. It means concentrating on low-fat, high-fiber foods and complex carbs – these are broken down slowly and steadily, giving you regular energy throughout the day.

Our 10 Favorite Energy Foods

1. Whole wheat pasta
2. Oatmeal
3. Fruit smoothies made with low-fat yogurt
4. Peanut butter
5. Dried fruit (apricots, cranberries, raisins, figs)
6. Yams
7. Beans
8. Apples
9. Carrots
10. Chickpeas

Also:

* Eat breakfast! This is absolutely the #1 “eating for energy” strategy. It gets your metabolism off to a strong start and makes nighttime snacking a thing of the past. (Coffee is not breakfast.)
* Avoid grease (burgers and fries) and high-fat dairy foods (pizza, ice cream, cheese) and choose lower-fat versions instead.
* Focus on whole grains, which are good sources of vitamin B, aiding the metabolic production of energy.
* Don’t forget iron, an energy-boosting mineral.