Our energy is integrally connected to the foods we eat. The foods we
choose to put in our body can either boost our energy, or drag us down.
Here are great energizing foods that will support our general well-being
and health. There are 25 of ‘em
1. Apples:
Everyone knows “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and it’s true!
Apples contain lots of vitamins and minerals, and are also a rich
source of flavonoids and polyphenols, both of which are powerful
antioxidants. Try eating them in the morning and include in smoothies.
2. Bananas:
Bananas are one of the best sources of potassium, which helps
maintain normal blood pressure and heart function in the body. Bananas
are a convenient snack with a peel that you can throw in your purse or
carry-on, that is sure to boost your energy levels during an afternoon lull.
3. Red Peppers:
Bell peppers are bursting with antioxidant vitamins A and C- also
great for skin beauty. Red peppers in particular contain lycopene, which
has been linked to cancer prevention. Red peppers are great to snack on
if you want that satisfying crunch. Try dipping in salsa for an
afternoon snack.
4. Hummus:
Hummus is a healthy energy-boosting snack that is sure to satisfy the
creamy-salty cravings. It’s a great energy booster when paired with
other items on this list, like red peppers, carrots and cucumbers.
5. Organic Dark Chocolate:
If you have a sweet tooth, organic dark chocolate is sure to satisfy
those cravings, and is better than having dessert snacks that contain
refined starches, which will deplete B vitamins that we need for energy.
I recommend non-dairy, organic dark chocolate because it contains the
highest amount of powerful antioxidants. There is some sugar in it, so
limit portion size to 1-2 oz a day.
6. Pumpkin seeds:
These seeds are packed with minerals such as magnesium, iron, and
calcium, vitamin K and protein. These seeds will be sure to satisfy that
crunchy craving when you need a boost. Lighter than nuts, try a quarter
of a cup of them in the afternoon a few hours after lunch, especially
if you are working out after work or have a long stretch before dinner.
7. Carrots:
Carrots are high in fiber, so they are a great crunchy way to take
the edge off hunger, while providing some good nutrition. They contain
high amounts of Vitamin A, in the form of Beta-Carotene, which is good
for the eye sight. Since they are a veggie which combines well with most
other foods, they are great to snack on throughout the day.
8. Celery:
Celery is a refreshing source of fiber, vitamin C and B-vitamins. It
has a diuretic effect, due to its balance of the electrolytes potassium
and sodium, which helps to flush out excess fluid from the body. Celery
is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also great
with hummus for a more substantial snack.
9. Pureed veggie soup:
Making a pureed veggie soup is a great way to get in those veggies on
a cold day. Nothing is more comforting than a warm bowl of soup, so try
boosting your energy with a bowl of pure veggies! Because the soup is
blended, your body can easily absorb the nutrients that become readily
available, without wasting energy breaking them down.
10. Lemon Water:
It may sounds simple, but sipping water with lemon (cold or hot) is
known to provide energy. One of the biggest forms of fatigue is
dehydration, so make sure to sip up! Lemon gives an added boost of
vitamins and enzymes. Be sure to start your day with a cup of hot water
with lemon.
11.Oatmeal:
Oats are one of the healthiest carbs you can find. Try some natural
oats (oat groats are my favorite) in the morning, at least 25 minutes
after you’ve had some fruit or if you are still hungry after having the
Glowing Green Smoothie. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top for even more
health benefits and more flavor.
12. Glowing Green Smoothie:
Try blending up a batch of my signature smoothie when you feel low on
energy. It’s packs a huge amount of greens into one drink, with a bit
of fruit to sweeten the taste so it is delicious. Loaded with vitamins,
enzymes, minerals, amino acids and filling fiber, this is my daily
ritual for breakfast and a mid-afternoon snack.
13. Watermelon:
Watermelon is a great snack, especially in the summer when it’s in
season. It contains lycopene, which as mentioned earlier, has been
linked to cancer prevention. Be sure to eat it on an empty stomach to
experience its full benefits. As with other non-starchy/non-fatty
fruits, it digests quickly and needs to pass out of the stomach so it
doesn’t prematurely ferment behind slower-digesting foods.
14. Coconut water:
Drinking coconut water is one of the best ways to naturally rehydrate
the body. It is packed full of electrolytes and has detoxifying
properties. Young coconuts are
best, but are not always convenient (!). You can find coconut water in
cartons in most health food grocery stores these days.
15. Green Salad:
There’s nothing like a nice, green salad to provide an energy burst.
Greens are filled with vitamins and minerals, and digest fairly quickly
so you’ll feel the energy. Use a light dressing that includes lemon, and
this is a perfect way to get some nutrition when feeling low on energy.
16. Pineapple:
Pineapple is easy to digest, and contains the enzyme bromelain, which
helps aids in digestion and has cleansing properties. Again, be sure to
eat on an empty stomach and alone.
17. Blueberries:
Blueberries are a delicious, energetic snack. These berries are also
known to promote brain function and boost energy, so they are a good
thing to eat before a test, or when you need to focus. They are abundant
and in season at the moment!
18. Avocado:
Filled with fiber and healthy fats and fiber, avocados are one of my daily staples. They are awesome to keep your skin
smooth and youthful as well. They are also known to help lower
cholesterol. If you don’t like to eat them plain, try adding avocados to
salads.
19. Raw Granola:
Granola is a great snack when you’re feeling hungry mid-day. Make
sure you choose a granola that is not overly processed (a raw variety if
you can find it), is preferably gluten-free and does not have a ton of
added sugar. Its best to try and make your own, with a base of buckwheat
groats.
20. Herbal Tea:
This is a nice thing to sip when you don’t want to eat anything late
at night or in the mid-morning or afternoon. Make sure to go caffeine
free.
21. Dried Figs:
Dried figs are an amazing blood purifier and help dissolve mucus and
toxins from our system. Make sure you choose brands that don’t add
sugars or additives. Figs have a fairly high amount of sugar, so really
limit portion size to only a few. If you have Candida or another sugar
issue, you should avoid dried and regular fruit.
22. Strawberries:
A great snack for some fiber, tons of vitamin C, as well as biotin
(great for skin/hair/nails) and folic acid. Strawberries contain high
levels of antioxidants. Perfect for the summer!
23. Quinoa:
Quinoa is a great grain to add to your diet because it is a complete
protein, and contains all the essential amino acids. It is one of the
most nutritious, filling grains you can choose.
24. Cucumber:
Cucumber is known to be a beauty vegetable and full of the beauty
mineral silicon. It’s a delicious, hydrating and nutrient-rich snack
that tastes great on its own, or dipped in hummus. Try making cucumber
salad with raw apple cider vinegar.
25. Raw Sauerkraut:
Sauerkraut is a probiotic-rich food. Probiotics help create B
vitamins which will be sure to give you the energy you need throughout
your day. Try my Probiotic & Enzyme Salad recipe so you can make
your own raw sauerkraut for cents a day.
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