Energy Foods for Men

There probably isn't any man on the planet who doesn't feel like he couldn't use just a little more energy. Even with regular exercise and a good night's sleep, its important to maintain a diet with the kinds of foods that optimize your energy levels. It's also vital to supply your body with sustained energy and not just a quick fix of caffeine to get you through the day. Try some of these high energy foods recommended by some of the top sources for men's health.

Lean Meats

One of WebMD's top recommendations for sustained energy is lean mean. Lean pork, lean beef, skinless chicken and turkey are not only low in fat but they also contain the amino acid tyrosine. Tyrosine increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, brain chemicals that help you feel more alert and focused throughout your entire day.

Oatmeal

Men's Fitness Magazine picks this breakfast staple because it's high in fiber and low on the glycemic index, which measures of the effect of carbohydrates on your blood glucose levels. Oatmeal's slow-digesting carbohydrates will provide you with long-lasting energy until lunch time.

Raw oysters

For a extra jolt of erotic energy, AskMen.com suggests raw oysters, the old-fashioned aphrodisiac that is said to increase your libido. Oysters are high in zinc, which raises testosterone levels, and dopamine, a hormone known to increase libido.

Bananas

If you seek a quick, fresh snack to power you through to the end of the day, hold off on that second cup of coffee and grab one of these potassium-rich fruits. They are also good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, dietary fiber and manganese.

Lentils

Try a good size bowl of lentil soup made with low-sodium chicken stock, onions and a few cloves of garlic. These lens-shaped seeds are rich in fiber and protein, providing you with a steady source of energy. They're also contain several B vitamins that are vital for energy production.

Dark Chocolate

Increasing your energy levels is sometimes a matter of decreasing your stress levels. When you don't have time to decompress your nerves, grab a few pieces of this healthy treat. A recent scientific study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found that eating about an ounce and a half of dark chocolate a day for two weeks reduced levels of stress hormones in people feeling highly stressed.

Berries

Whether you eat them whole or mix them into an energy smoothie, blueberries, blackberries, boysenberries and raspberries are all high in natural energy, vitamins and fiber. Blueberries are also one of the best antioxidant foods.

Healthy Energy Bars

If you must resort to the infamous energy bar, make sure to eat one that contains a good amount of protein but without unnecessary calories from sugars and fats. In its survey of protein bars, AskMen.com found the best bars that are low in fat and sugar but high in protein are the Protein Plus by MET-Rx, Pure Protein by Worldwide Sport and Solid Protein by Nature's Best.