To get and keep a good, steady energy level, it is important to develop regular healthy habits. The good thing is that they are easy and enjoyable. Here are the top five.

First and foremost, stay hydrated. Keep your system well-lubricated and clean with lots and lots of healthy, pure water, all day, every day. Water is the most essential element for life. Without it, we dry up and blow away.

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast. Even if you don't like to eat much in the morning, be sure you have something that counts. That way you won't be starving by lunch and make the mistake of eating a big lunch. As we all know, a big lunch is the perfect setup for a siesta. The best thing to do is have a breakfast of substance in the morning when you are well rested and then eat several small, nutritious meals or snacks during the day.

Protein stays with you and helps you to feel satisfied. It also metabolizes at a regular rate, so you won't have sudden bursts of energy followed by troughs of lethargy. Be sure to include lean meats in your food plan as well as oily fish for the Omega 3 Fatty acids. Include eggs as a main dish and a snack. Boiled eggs are mighty easy to keep on hand. Nuts are another great high protein snack that is also high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

Processed foods like white bread and rice and foods that contain simple carbohydrates and high sugar (like Grape Soda Pop and Moon Pies) are called high glycemic foods. These foods provide sugar that is far too readily available to your system. It shoots through you giving you a burst of energy, and then you burn out. To have a steady flow of energy , change to whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat, whole, fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods are harder for the body to digest and not as readily available, and that's a good thing. It is good for the body to work for it's energy. Because these foods take longer to process, the energy they provide is meted out in small, regular doses over a period of time. By the time it runs out, you will probably have had a chance to replenish it. Besides that, whole grains, fruits and veggies keep you regular, and that's another important way to maintain a good energy level.

All of the things we have talked about so far will have the happy side effect of helping you stay regular. Additionally, the fiber found in whole grains, fresh fruit and veggies, nuts, beans, and other healthy choices will help slow down the absorption rate of sugars. This will help to regulate your energy level so that you avoid the crash and burn syndrome. In addition to this extra roughage, be sure to add delicious, high protein yogurt to your diet. Make sure it is the kind that has live acidophilus cultures. This, too, helps keep your digestive system in tip-top shape. Having your insides operating within specified parameters is a sure way to feel better and have more energy.