By Lydia Libby

It is now the second semester, and I am sure many of us are feeling sluggish. With winter creating a dull atmosphere, it is hard to feel motivated to do much of anything. But what if I told you one of mankind’s most beloved things could improve our energy?

That’s right. Food. Food can improve energy in the human body. Food is a simple yet effective way to enhance our performance in daily life — even foods that we may love but have forgotten in the typical college diet.

So, what are some foods that improve energy? Well, all foods containing carbohydrates help with energy, because that is the job of a carbohydrate. However, the top three foods to improve energy are whole grains, yogurt, and fruit.

You may wonder what whole grains have to do with energy. Well, because whole grains are rich in fiber, they help speed up the metabolism. When your metabolism is functioning well, it takes the energy from food to allow you to feel more energetic during your day.

Some whole grains you may enjoy are oatmeal, brown rice, wild rice, and quinoa. Oatmeal is a great way to start your morning because it is enriched with nutrients. You can even add fruit to your oatmeal for added nutrients and taste. Brown rice, wild rice, and quinoa are all part of the rice family, and can be used in salads, stir fry, or paired with almost any lunch or dinner dish.

Another favorite food of many is yogurt. (Especially Greek yogurt, because it contains vitamin B, which improves energy in the body.) Yogurt is also compact, and can be an accessible snack while on the go or at work. Yogurt comes in a variety of flavors, so there is a flavor that most anyone will enjoy. For those on the go, yogurt is a great way to obtain nutrients, because it is quick and easy to eat, allowing you to continue with your day. Many students feel crunched for time when packing to come to school. Yogurt is a great, fast option that will also improve your body’s energy performance.

When crunching for time, fruit is the best snack you can have to improve energy. It is fresh. Enriched with vitamins. And can fit into the smallest handbags or pockets. Fruit gives the body a boost and is sweet, so it is like you are having a dessert to improve your energy. Food is always better when it tastes good; as there are so many kinds of fruit available, everyone should find something they enjoy. Fruits can range from blueberries to starfruit — and they all improve the body’s energy.

Of course, canned fruit with added sugar is not a boost to the body’s energy, because the sugar is refined and does not contain as many nutrients as fresh fruit. Fresh fruit is the way to go when looking for a snack to improve energy in the body.

As a student, improving your energy is especially important, because it will enhance academic performance. If you have enough energy, you will be ready to handle tasks and homework assignments. A lot is asked of students from their course studies, and if eating can be a solution to improve energy, students should spend the time finding snacks to increase energy. Healthy eating leads to a happy and productive life. Just think, carbs can be the reason you are well enough to pass a test.