Your energy is not an unending resource. Coffee or energy drinks are typically the go-to for an energy boost, but caffeine can negatively affect the body and increase anxiety. What your body REALLY needs are superfoods!
If you struggle with chronic fatigue, maybe it’s time to put that coffee down and add in some superfoods that will naturally boost your energy!
Oats
Oats have many great qualities, including being high in fiber, fat, potassium, minerals, magnesium, and protein. Because it’s nutrient-dense, it can fill you up fast and leave lasting positive effects throughout the day.
Your body digests oats slowly, which can help equalize your blood sugar levels throughout the day. This means that energy is slowly being released throughout the day rather than all at once, preventing a major energy crash.
Seeds, seed oils, & Nuts
Many seeds are high in protein, nutrients, fiber, vitamins, minerals, omega-3, antioxidants, and essential amino acids. Some nutritious options include chia seeds, hemp seeds and oils, and sesame seeds. These are not only great for your energy levels, but also for your immune system!
Nuts are also a fantastic way to boost your energy throughout the day. Almonds offer fiber, protein, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin E. Cashews are similar due to their high levels of fiber, good fats, and protein. One of the best ways to stay high in sustaining energy is to keep a bag of almonds or cashews in your bag. It is the perfect snack to keep you going!
Powders
If your diet just isn’t cutting it, you can add supplements and powders to your meals. Powders are great because you can throw them in a smoothie along with other amazing energy-boosting foods! Some powders that help energy levels are beetroot, turmeric, maca, spirulina, cacao, ginger, and broccoli powder.
Another option (especially if you tend to crave caffeine) is matcha powder. Matcha has many incredible benefits for metabolism, energy, antioxidants, and much more. This is a great option to substitute for coffee because it is a slow-release source of caffeine. This means that the caffeine lasts longer than coffee, does not cause anxiety near as much as coffee would, and does not have a caffeine crash.
Beans & Legumes
Another viable energy source is beans and legumes. These are great options for your meals, as they work as a great side to the main dish.
They have properties that are mood-enhancers and energy-enhancers. In addition, they also help your gut to remain healthy. Beans and legumes are both high in protein, which stabilizes blood sugar so that your body can release energy throughout the day.
Eggs
Eggs are probably the best option for a great addition to your diet that boosts energy healthily. Eggs are packed full of protein and satisfy hunger quickly. Plus, they taste amazing! There are so many ways to cook eggs, which allows for a greater variety of choices for your meals.
There are so many ways to increase your energy without caffeine or a sugar high. Add some of these superfoods to your next meal- your body will thank you!
For more tips on healthy eating, consider our article How Your Diet Affects Your Mental Health.