We all love great food, but it’s more than just satisfying your taste buds. Every bite you take fuels your body, playing a big role in your energy levels and overall health.
Here’s the catch, not all food fuels you the same way. Some give you quick bursts of energy, while others provide lasting power. And it’s not just about energy levels; the way your body processes food, from breaking down sugars to burning protein, affects how you feel every day.
In this article, we explore 10 fascinating facts about the energy in your food. With these insights, you might be surprised at how small changes can help you make smarter choices when it comes to fueling your body.
Healthier foods can cost up to ten times more per calorie than processed alternatives
Yes, you read that right. Healthy food can cost up to ten times more per calorie than processed food. There are affordable superfoods on the market, but unless you are actively seeking them out, those well- advertised bargain-priced processed options do tantalize.
This price difference happens because processed foods, like chips, instant noodles, and sugary snacks, are made from cheap, government-subsidized crops like corn, wheat, and soy. These foods last a long time on shelves, making them even cheaper to produce and keep in stores.
In contrast, fresh foods, like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, spoil faster and cost more to grow and transport. For example, a fast-food burger can cost around $2, which is cheaper than a bag of fresh spinach ($3.50), even though the spinach is much healthier. A box of sugary cereal that costs $4 for 20 servings, lasts longer and costs less per meal than whole-grain oats ($5 for 10 servings), even though oats are the better choice.
Also Read: 10 Circulation-Boosting Foods to Support You as You Age
Your body craves carbs first because they’re the fastest source of energy
As mentioned in the introduction, food is fuel. So, let’s think of your body like a car, it needs the right fuel to run efficiently. Carbohydrates (carbs) are the quickest fuel you can put in your tank. When you eat foods like bread, rice, and pasta, your body breaks them down into sugars, giving you a quick energy boost. That’s why athletes load up on carbs before big events.
Now, just like some cars that run better on higher-quality fuel, your body performs better with healthier carbs. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provide steady, longer-lasting energy because your body breaks them down more efficiently. On the other hand, sugary snacks give you a quick burst of energy, but it wears off fast, often leaving you feeling sluggish.
By choosing healthier carbs, you can stay energized longer and avoid those energy crashes.
B vitamins are your body’s energy catalysts, without them, converting food into fuel becomes sluggish
Let’s stick with the car analogy, think of B vitamins as the spark plugs in your body. They help kick-start the process of turning food into energy. Without them, your body slows down and tires more easily.
These essential vitamins are found in whole grains, eggs, meat, beans, and leafy greens. If you don’t get enough B vitamins, your body may struggle to convert food into usable energy. That’s one of the reasons nutritionists and doctors always emphasize a balanced diet. By eating B-rich foods, you can keep your energy levels steady throughout the day.
Skipping meals can drain your energy and trick your brain into overeating later
We’ve all done it. I used to skip breakfast and lunch, then pig out on a carb-heavy dinner. Looking back, I realize how bad that approach was.
But let’s focus on energy. Skipping meals drains your energy and can trick your brain into overeating later. When your blood sugar drops, your brain panics, sensing a lack of fuel. In response, it craves high-sugar, high-fat foods to make up for the deficit.
That’s why late-day snack cravings hit hard, leading to mindlessly devouring multiple bags of chips. By eating regular meals, you keep your blood sugar steady and prevent those cravings from taking over.
Just a 2% drop in water levels, can zap your energy and focus
This energy-related fact surprised me and made me take hydration more seriously. Losing just 2% of your body’s water can make you feel tired, dizzy, and unable to focus.
That’s because water is essential for transporting nutrients and keeping your muscles and brain functioning properly. When you don’t drink enough, your heart has to work harder, causing your energy levels to drop.
The biggest surprise? Thirst isn’t always the first sign of dehydration. By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already running low on water. So, make it a habit to drink water regularly throughout the day to keep your energy up and your body working smoothly.
Related: 6 Ways to Make Drinking Water Fun So You’ll Reap the Benefits
Aging slows metabolism, making food choices more crucial than ever for sustained energy
As you get older, your metabolism does slow down. Medical experts say that after the age of 30, metabolism drops by about 3-8% per decade. This means your body burns fewer calories for energy, making it easier to gain weight if you’re not active.
A slower metabolism also makes it harder to stay energized. That’s why food choices become even more important as you age. That’s why eating nutrient-rich foods like lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables can help keep your energy levels steady as you age. On the other hand, sugary snacks not only drain your energy but can also contribute to unwanted weight gain.
Related: The 10 Best Foods to Support Healthy Aging After 50
Digesting protein burns more energy than carbs, but helps you feel fuller for longer
Here’s another fact you may find surprising. Did you know that your body burns more calories digesting protein than it does for carbs or fats? This is called the thermic effect of food (TEF). About 20–30% of the calories in protein are used just to digest it, compared to 5–10% for carbs and even less for fats.
Because protein takes longer to break down, it keeps you full for longer and helps maintain steady energy levels. Foods like chicken, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts are great protein sources that support energy and metabolism.
Bananas are nature’s energy bars, and botanically, they’re berries
Bananas are one of the best natural energy boosters, packed with carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin B6, they help fuel your body quickly. That’s why athletes often eat them before a workout.
But here’s a fun fact, bananas are actually berries. Unlike strawberries (which aren’t true berries), bananas meet all the scientific rules for a berry. So next time you grab a banana for a quick energy boost, remember, you’re eating a berry in disguise.
Caffeine is the world’s most-used stimulant, and it doesn’t actually give you energy
Who doesn’t love a cup of coffee in the morning? Well, did you know that caffeine is the most-used stimulant in the world, found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks?
Here’s the catch, it doesn’t actually give you energy. Instead, it blocks adenosine, a chemical in your brain that makes you feel tired. This tricks your body into feeling more awake, even though it’s not creating real energy.
That’s why caffeine’s effects wear off, sometimes leading to an energy crash. For lasting energy, it’s best to pair caffeine with nutritious foods, water, and good sleep (rather than having 20 cups a day).
Related: 10 Most Healthy Coffee Creamers
Sugar gives you a quick boost, but then drains your energy just as fast
When I first spoke to my diabetes nurse about sugar, she gave me a perfect analogy. She said to think of sugary snacks like a rollercoaster ride. You wait in line feeling fed up and bored, then experience a thrilling climb, only for it to drop suddenly and end just as fast. That’s exactly how sugar works in your body.
Without it, you feel low on energy. When you eat sugar, you get a quick spike, but just as fast, it wears off, leaving you feeling tired, sluggish, and even hungrier than before.
That’s why complex carbs like whole grains, fruits, and nuts are a better choice. They provide steady, long-lasting energy without the wild highs and lows.