BEST energy foods?

Hi...

I'm wondering if anyone could tell me what they feel is the best energy type foods.  Low in calories, healthy, nutritious, and energy boosting at the same time.

Thanks!

As far as "real foods" go, I usually have a snack of apples (1/2 apple sliced) and all-natural peanut butter for my pre-workout snack.  That's about 120 cals and has some good fat, protein, and a little sugar which really helps my workout. 

Energy = calories so low cal foods don't tend to boost energy... just fill the stomach up.   Something that raises the blood-sugars gives you the most immediate short-term energy boost e.g. post exercise.   Things like bananas and chocolate are good for that.  Complex carbohydrates are good if you need a longer-range boost prior to exercise.... pasta, grains etc.

I second the complex carbs vote. If you're looking for energy to work out, you should focus on carbs and avoid fats and protein. Save those for after your workout, when your body is more able to break them down.

ACAI,its the best,google it.or youtub it,(lol),its a super food. you will love it!!!

I agree with complex carbs.  Not all are high in calories either.  Some examples of complex carbs:

Spinach, Lettuce, Zucchini, Asparagus, Artichokes, Okra, Cabbage, Celery, Cucumbers, Radishes, Broccoli, Eggplant, Onions, Tomatoes, Whole Barley, Oatmeal, Wild rice, Brown rice, Multi-grain bread, yogurt, skim milk, lentils, soy milk, spelt bread, apples, pears, plums, strawberries, oranges, yams, carrots , potatoes, soybeans, barbanzo beans, kidneay beans (basically any kind of beans!)

Also read this interesting article about how eating a small snack before working out (missing link #5) will increase your performance (better performance = the ability to burn more calories!) 

http://www.active.com/nutrition/Articles/5_Nu trition_Missing_Links__Expert_Advice_for_Athl etes.htm?act=EMC-eNews_Ins_0908&link=5

 

 

If you're talking about energy foods for before a workout to give you stamina, I always have 1/2 a LUNA bar before a workout. Instead of an hour, it gives me what I need to do 1 1/2 hours at the gym. They're high-ish in calories (about 180-200), which is why I only do half, but the protein takes your cardio up a notch.

bananas and pb, yogurt with granola, graham crackers with nutella or pb, i lovee luna bars, a handful of nuts (cashews, almonds, peanuts, etc.)

For me... I get energy from protein for sure!!! YAY protein!! I mean like MEAT PROTEIN! Oh and of course I take energy supplements too (B vitamins, etc)... which doesn't hurt either! ha ha!

I second the pre-workout Luna bar idea...works wonderfully!

i've heard that bananas are amazing for energy. but for me personally, really any type of food will do the trick.

I have read that natural honey is also a good source of energy, I have tried before my spinning class, and works great.

It has a low GI, so it is good as a pre-workout, and easier to digest than oats, or other complex carbs.