6 Healthy Food Options that Boost Energy

With busy days being all-too-common nowadays, we are often finding that the list of things to do does not stop at the end of the work day. Yet there doesn’t always seem to be enough energy to make it through the day without either regularly caffeinating or taking an inconvenient nap. How often do you get home and eat lunch or dinner, and then the body gets kicked into “rest and digest” mode and you suddenly feel so tired you just want to lie down?

Luckily, there are ticks to deal with this issue. A good bit of advice is to eat a light lunch instead of a heavy and filling, meat-packed lunch. The other thing to keep in mind is that there are certain foods that will give you a burst of natural energy. If you love eating healthy, then you will love reading through the items on this list. Snacking on these items and adding them to your recipes will help you get the day’s work done and keep up with the kids.

The List of Energy-Packed Foods

By strategically placing these food choices on your menu, you will be doing yourself a favor and helping to pick yourself up. The best foods for energy and mood purposes help regulate the metabolism of sugar and trigger the brain to release helpful chemicals.

Stay away from sweet breads and say hello to wheat breads. Whole wheat products boost the brain’s natural serotonin levels, a chemical that regulates mood and sleep. Whole wheat is also absorbed more slowly by the body than other forms of wheat, leading to more stable blood sugar levels. So next time you want to reach for that donut in the morning, consider instead having a couple slices of whole grain, seed-filled toast. Instead of eating sugary cereal, try a whole wheat variety like rolled oats.
Eat your leafy greens. Green vegetables contain folate, a nutrient that can possibly lower the risk for depression. Lettuce and spinach are popular choices. An even better bet is kale. Did you know that kale is a great source of calcium? It is also full of other vitamins and minerals. Cooking this superfood is the best way to make these nutrients easier for the body to digest.
Tea really is an amazing plant. Did you know that archaeological evidence suggests that tea has been enjoyed for hundreds of thousands of years? Clearly, it has been working for people. There are many varieties of tea that are packed with antioxidants, especially white tea. All tea has some amount of caffeine, with the highest caffeine amounts being found in black tea. Herbal teas such as chai and yerba mate are a great source of caffeine. If you are looking for a viable replacement for coffee and energy drinks, tea is the way to go.
When snack time comes around, try munching on nuts. Cashews, almonds, and hazelnuts are just a few examples of types of nuts that help convert sugar into energy. Nuts are also a great source of protein and magnesium. You could also consider topping your salads and cereals with nuts for an added boost of protein and energy.
Instead of dropping by a candy machine or convenience store to get a candy bar, try bringing along some fresh fruit. Fruit has a high amount of naturally occurring sugar, and it is also full of vitamins. Some varieties of fruits, berries in particular, have good antioxidant content.
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The great thing about all of the ideas on this list is that they are meat-free. When you make a veggie sandwich with whole wheat bread, you might consider using Just Mayo, a product by hamptoncreek that uses all vegetable-based ingredients.

Energy Doesn’t Need to Be Artificial

The other great thing you’ll notice about the foods on the above list is that they are all natural energy sources. No chemical formulas or fizzy, sugar-packed drinks are necessary. Of course, don’t forget to stay fully hydrated throughout the day and to get regular exercise. Eating small amounts throughout the day instead of a couple big meals can really help the body maintain energy levels. Good food choices and healthy habits will lead to increased energy.