How To Get The Most Energy From My Food?

by Tornike
(Tbilisi, Georgia)

Hello, I have been realizing lately the value of life energy. I also understood that this should mainly be coming from food. I even quit smoking and cola light (I was an addict).

What diet advice could you offer me so that I can get the most energy from food? In other words, how can I operate on maximum energy? I'm interested in a healthy diet and wouldn't mind losing a few pounds from balanced eating.

By the way, I love sweets very much; I feel my brain doesn't function when I am deprived of them. Please give advice on breakfast, dinner, lunch and what I should eat and when.

Thank you a lot,

Tornike

Michelle says: Yes, life energy is very important and we must do all that we can to preserve it. You're right. A lot of our life energy comes from food.

At the same time, it's also important to form healthy living habits (e.g., follow the 8 laws of health). That will preserve the life force and vitality we already have. So, that's where quitting anything that takes away life energy becomes very important. I'm very happy to hear that you've quit smoking and drinking colas. Way to go Tornike!!!

Going back to the topic of food.... In order to get the most energy from it, you have to be sure to eat foods that are full of nutrients. You'll get these kind of foods in a plant-based, whole foods diet made up of a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, beans, raw nuts, and seeds.

That should provide you with more than enough energy. And it should help you reach and maintain your ideal weight.

One more thing: Try to focus on eating food that is locally grown and in season. I've already written a page about the plant-based diet. You can read it here.

When it comes to breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I say try to aim for variety. You don't want to be having the same exact thing every single day. Here are some basic ideas to get you started.

Breakfast Ideas

Breakfast 1: Fresh fruit of your choice, oatmeal with rice milk and raisins, and a handful of almonds

Breakfast 2: Fresh fruit salad, spelt bread with scrambled tofu

Breakfast 3: Fresh fruit, Acai berry bowl topped with extra granola - Click here for my acai bowl recipe.

Lunch Ideas:

Lunch 1: Fresh salad with herb dressing, mixed veggie stir-fry and tofu chunks over brown rice

Lunch 2: Spring greens salad with Italian dressing, steamed cabbage, walnut loaf, and quinoa (cooked like brown rice)

Lunch 3: Raw veggies (e.g. broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, and carrot sticks) and dip, leftover walnut loaf sandwiches

Dinner Ideas

Dinner 1: Fruit smoothie with blueberries, bananas, soy milk, flax seeds, and dates

Dinner 2: Veggie salad, vegetable soup, and crackers

Dinner 3: Veggie salad, sandwich filled with a sun dried tomato spread

Of course there are so many other possibilities for you to choose from. Here are some recipes you can try...

Here's how to plan a balanced meal. Start by choosing the fruit or vegetables you want to use. Avoid using fruits and vegetables together in the same meal. Mixing the two is not good for your digestive system.

Next, choose a grain (e.g., rice, millet, wheat, etc.) or starchy vegetable (e.g., corn, potatoes, etc.) you want to use. Then add a protein dish that goes well with your grain. That will give you a balanced meal.

As for when to eat, try to have your meals at regular times. Our bodies do best with regularity. Also, avoid eating between meals. It disrupts your digestion and causes your stomach to work overtime. Not good if you're trying to preserve your life force. Click here to learn more about the hazards of eating too frequently.

Click here to learn about more healthy eating habits that can help you get more energy from your food.

What kinds of sweets are you craving and eating? I have a sweet tooth too, so I can relate.

I've noticed that I crave sweets more when I'm not getting enough protein foods. Does that happen for you as well?

Once you start eating a healthier diet, your cravings will probably lessen. In the meanwhile, when you do need something sweet, choose raisins or medjool dates instead of sugary sweets. Or, make a raw dessert that is sweetened naturally with honey, dates, or raisins.

Unlike sugary sweets, natural sweets satisfy cravings and provide you with lots of nutrients and energy at the same time.

Hope that helps!

Michelle