Many people are perpetually on the hunt for natural ways to boost energy. Luckily, there are many foods that provide a natural boost of energy. While we all know how challenging it is to stay mentally sharp and revved up when you’re hungry or tired, sometimes we forget that our body needs fuel for more than just brain function and motor skills.
We all know that food is a great source of energy, but there are specific foods that are especially energy-boosting. This means that if you’re looking for natural ways to boost energy, you might want to modify your diet.
Unlike that chemically enhanced energy drink, these energy-boosting foods are actually good for your health while improving your energy level. Below are some healthy foods that are great natural ways to boost energy:
Leafy Greens
One of the main benefits of eating a plant-based diet is that plant-based foods are awesome natural sources of energy. Load up on nutrient-dense, fibre-filled leafy greens such as kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and collard greens. Unlike other vegetables, raw greens may be difficult to digest and difficult to consume in large quantities, so breaking down the greens in a salad with a small amount of lemon juice or 5 per cent vinegar may help stimulate digestion and achieve better results.
Leafy greens are food that fuels both our metabolism and our brain, providing us with natural ways to boost energy and get through the day. Spiralize or chop up kale, spinach, and collard greens. Cook them in olive oil with spices of lemon juice or vinegar for a quick side dish. Add spinach to morning omelettes, smoothies, stir-frys and other meals for added energy.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a solid starting point for getting more energy and more nutrients in your diet. It’s full of fibre which prevents spikes in blood sugar. You’ll be surprised how much longer you can go without food after eating oatmeal. Oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate that takes longer to digest.
It contains fibre, vitamins, and minerals that provide prolonged energy throughout the day. It also carries protein and about half the amount of calories as the same serving of Cheerios. Mix in some extra seeds, nuts, fruit, whatever floats your boat!
Eggs
Eggs are one of the healthiest, most nutritious foods available that also boost energy. They are packed full of protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Because of the high protein content, eggs will keep you feeling full for more extended periods of time compared to other foods.
You can have eggs for breakfast, with toast or cereal. For lunch, they can be mixed with vegetables such as in an egg salad sandwich. At dinner, they can be stirred into casseroles.
Popcorn
Next time snack time rolls around, why not skip unhealthy chips and instead try air-popped popcorn? While most chips and crackers are loaded with refined carbohydrates that prompt the body to release a flood of insulin, popcorn—which is a whole grain—is a wiser choice.
It has 46 calories per cup, is loaded with fibre and complex carbohydrates, and will still leave you feeling satisfied. Season your kernels with herbs to avoid additives.
Avocados
If you’re looking for a natural energy boost, try adding more avocados to your nutritional regimen. In addition to being a nutrition powerhouse, avocados contain several vitamins and minerals that can help with daily functions and promote good health.
Avocados can help improve energy levels by providing you with an excellent source of healthy fats, which are essential for energy production in the body. They are recommended for dieters due to their ability to maintain balanced nutrition levels while cutting down on unhealthy fats.
Chicken
If you’re looking for a light lunch that won’t weigh you down and will fuel you steadily until dinner, chicken is where it’s at. That said, chicken has less unhealthy saturated fat than other meats like pork, beef, and lamb. It’s full of nutrients that will keep you feeling satisfied for hours after lunch or dinner.
Try adding just a little bit of olive oil, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the chicken. Cooked to perfection, chicken breasts pair well with some vegetables and salads, allowing the chicken to be the star of this dish.
Greek Yogurt
Plain, Greek yoghurt is a nutrient powerhouse – a mere cup contains more than double your daily recommended value of calcium, potassium and vitamin D. The fact that it has half the calories and nearly twice the protein of regular yoghurt also makes Greek yoghurt a smart snack choice at any time of day.
A breakfast smoothie with Greek yoghurt and fresh fruit is a great way to start any day, whether it’s the morning or afternoon.
Oysters
Most people eat oysters just for their taste, which is briny, savoury, and slightly sweet. But did you know that oysters are one of the best foods to eat for a natural energy boost? They’re filled with protein and zinc, which helps your body fight off germs that might be running you down. Zinc can also help your immune system get rid of colds.
They go well with just about any condiment: Shuck them and serve with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of soy sauce, or hit up the horseradish root and the wedge of lemon. Try them roasted – either blazing hot or under the broiler – to expose their natural flavour.
Beans
Beans aren’t just rich in nutrients and antioxidants but also contain carbohydrates that your body loves. They help to boost your energy levels and keep you hungry for longer periods.
Lentils, black beans, kidney beans, and soybeans are excellent protein sources for a natural energy boost. Beans offer a satisfying alternative to the meat while delivering a host of vitamins and minerals such as folate, manganese, and magnesium that your body needs to function at its best.
Walnuts
Walnuts are a superfood that provides your heart, brain and bones with a powerful punch. They’re rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which work together to improve blood flow to the brain and preserve a healthy memory. The same compound in walnuts that helps lower bad cholesterol also keeps plaque from forming in arteries.
Also rich in protein, walnuts are a great source of fibre which helps prevent overeating, thus making walnuts an excellent food for anyone trying to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Brown Rice
Brown rice comes under fire by many nutritionists but is an excellent food choice. It has fibre for digestion, carbohydrates for energy and is low in saturated fats.
Brown rice is rich in complex carbohydrates. This means that it can provide power to your body, and health benefits like better regulation of blood glucose and prevention of heart disease, cancer, and obesity.
Find Out the Optimal Diet For You
To discover the best diet plan for you based on your DNA, get the CircleDNA at-home DNA testing kit. The reports include several diet and nutrition reports that will help you plan out your optimal diet.
