The next time you start feeling that mid-day slump, do yourself a favor by not pouring another cup of coffee, or reaching for a candy bar from the vending machine. Sure, caffeine and sugar may seem like quick fixes at the moment, but the crash that follows will leave you feeling even more tired than before. Instead, try incorporating these 9 energy boosting foods into your diet to help naturally increase your energy throughout the day. You can thank us later.
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1. Kiwi
Believe it or not, these bad boys contain twice the potassium of a banana and twice the vitamin C of an orange. And get this: Kiwis also have 2.5 grams of fiber, which helps keep you full and prevent energy lows when you’re hungry.
2. Sauerkraut
Raw sauerkraut isn’t just a great, tasty topping for hot dogs; it also helps you maintain your energy levels. You see, fermented cabbage contains a high amount of probiotics, which allow your body to digest food much more efficiently. As a result, you’re left with more energy.
3. Dark Chocolate
Yes, chocolate can actually be good for you, especially if it’s dark chocolate. It contains theobromine, a natural stimulant that’s similar to caffeine, which is known for boosting your energy and your mood. Oh, and the darker the chocolate, the less sugar and the more energy-boosting potential it has. How cool is that?
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4. Cardamom
The folks in Asia absolutely love this spice because of its ability to increase energy and blood circulation by expanding your small blood vessels. Considered to be an aphrodisiac in the Middle East, cardamom can be found in curry and various chai teas.
5. Popcorn
That’s right! Popcorn isn’t just a snack that you chow down on at the movies. And if you choose air popped popcorn, not the kind that’s smothered in butter, the high amount of fiber and carbohydrates will give you an instant source of energy when you’re feeling tired and burned out.
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6. Quinoa
This trendy superfood is a complex carbohydrate and a complete protein, which keeps your blood sugar and your energy levels steady. Plus, quinoa contains all eight of the essential amino acids and it’s also gluten-free – a win-win for those folks who are allergic to gluten and/or other carbs. How can you go wrong with this one?
7. Goji Berries
The Chinese have been using goji berries as a form of medicine for thousands of years. Rich in nutrients, they increase your blood flow and deliver oxygen to your muscles.
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8. Spinach and Other Dark Leafy Greens
Although eating spinach won’t give you bulging muscles all of a sudden (sorry Popeye), it will give you lots of energy. Dark leafy green veggies (kale, collards, broccoli, etc.) are loaded with iron, which is needed to help red blood cells travel through your body. These cells carry oxygen, causing you to feel more focused and alert as if you just woke up from a four-hour nap.
9. Red Bell Peppers With Hummus
OK, so this technically counts as two foods, but just think of it as our gift to you. Swapping carrots and fat-free veggie dip with red bell peppers and hummus can give you the quick energy fix you’ve been craving. Did you know that you can get 380 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin C by consuming one red bell pepper? And since vitamin C helps speed up the healing process, your body will feel less fatigued. Pair the red bell peppers with a side of hummus and you’re good to go, as chickpeas are rich in B vitamins and magnesium – both are required for the production of energy molecules.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Food center for more articles.
Princess Gabbara is a 20-something Michigan-based journalist/freelance writer. As a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, she’s contributed to a host of several local and national publications, including Ebony.com, Essence.com, xoJane.com, Clutch Magazine, Sesi Magazine and The Glamazons Blog. When she’s not busy pounding away at the keyboard, you can find her somewhere shopping, obsessing over the latest nail polish collections, hanging out with the family, listening to music on vinyl, being a typical Leo, and laughing until it hurts. You can read more of her work on her blog: www.princessgabbara.wordpress.com. She also tweets at @PrincessGabbara.
