It’s no coincidence that when you eat delicious and fulfilling comforting food, you tend to get in a relaxed state that can cause you to drift off at any given moment. As the popular saying goes - you are what you eat. So, on those days when you have to wake up at 5 a.m. to get your kids ready for school, prep for that big presentation at work, pick up groceries on the way home and proceed to transform those groceries into a nice dinner, you’ll definitely want to avoid the heavy comforting foods and grab something that can both satisfy your hunger and provide you with some energy to make it through your day.
Instead of opting for espresso shots or other highly-caffeinated drinks, try snacking on superfoods instead. Trust me when I say, they’re called superfoods for a reason. They’re healthy, flavorful, nourishing and rich in antioxidants, vitamins, nutrients, minerals and electrolytes but are lower in calories. So, if you’re feeling a little drained and it’s barely noon, pick up some delicious superfoods to boost your energy levels to help carry you through the rest of your day. Best of all, these foods can be found just about anywhere and are great when you’re on the go.
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Chia Seeds
Probably the most versatile food on this list, chia seeds can be added to just about anything including smoothies, yogurt, milks, juices, or cereals to help boost your fiber intake.
When soaking chia seeds in liquids, they absorb liquid equal to about 10 times their weight and create a gel-like substance. Chia seeds are very rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, omega-3 and 6 and are also a complete protein rich in fiber, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and manganese.
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Almonds
Almonds are rich in vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium and iron, which are all helpful with boosting your energy. Additionally, this snack is really convenient while traveling and you can either eat it alone or mix it in with some berries or a salad.
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Avocados
Avocados have higher concentrations of B vitamins, magnesium, vitamins E and K and beta carotene - nutrients that support and sustain your overall health and help balance your energy.
Also a good source of healthy fats, avocados help with improving your metabolism and because they’re packed with potassium, they can also help with lowering blood pressure when included with a healthy diet.
Kale
These powerful antioxidants are packed with vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, potassium, and iron. Kale is also a great source of fiber. Try mixing kale into a salad with other greens or bake them in the oven to make crispy kale chips.
Goji Berries
This fruit is typically found in Asia and was long used as a traditional remedy in China to improve energy levels. It is usually dried before being exported anywhere else in the world.
Goji berries are a great source of amino acids, vitamins B1, B2, B6, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Rich in antioxidants, goji berries also help prevent premature aging and protect against free radicals. You can add goji berries to a salad, mix them in with nuts or blend them into your smoothies.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Consuming unpasteurized apple cider vinegar has many benefits, but did you know it can also help boost your energy? Apple cider vinegar contains amino acids, potassium and enzymes - all of which help relieve that tired feeling.
To consume, you can add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water to help act as an antidote to fatigue.
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Oatmeal
Starting your morning off with a bowl of whole-grain oatmeal is not only a delicious meal, but also provides you with protein, minerals, and fiber. Oats are a great source of carbs that also contains B vitamins such as niacin and folate, which help boost your energy.
There are many other superfoods such as bee pollen, açai, wheatgrass, spirulina and aloe vera, which I also use that are delicious and can help boost your mood and energy levels. Check your local health store to try them out!
