The top complaint of those attempting to balance work and personal life in this fast-paced, stressful world in which we live is not having enough energy to do it all. Energy doesn’t come in the form of a magic pill that you can take and immediately escape your feeling of fatigue.
The main way you can get that energy and maintain it is by eating the right foods several times per day. Here are the top ten foods that can boost your energy immediately and that are good for your body:
1 – Bananas
Adding more fruits to your diet can provide lasting benefits. One of the most important fruits you can add to boost energy are bananas – a powerhouse of potassium and electrolytes that help stimulate the nerves and muscles.
2 – Almonds
These little nuts are chock full of monounsaturated fats that can help your mental clarity and provide Omega-3 oils, essential to combat fatigue and low energy levels.
3 – Oats
Eating oatmeal for breakfast can set you up to have energy throughout the day. Oats provide B vitamins that can turn carbohydrates into energy and give you the fiber you need for nutritional value.
4 – Lentils (Beans)
A source of fiber, beans also provide B-vitamins, calcium, carbohydrates and protein and can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.
5 – Chocolate
This incredible source of quick energy has been used for eons to provide antioxidants (dark chocolate) and improve red blood cells. It increases your energy level with the compounds known as tyramind and phenlethylamine. Eat dark chocolate in moderation.
6 – Whole Grains
Whole grain products contain complex carbohydrates, which can increase your energy levels. If you combine the whole grain food (such as bread) with a high-protein food such as peanut butter, you’ll sustain the energy boost for a longer period of time.
7 – Fruit Juice
Just make sure the juice is 100% pure. Otherwise, you’ll get sugars and other elements that you don’t need and can bring you down from the temporary high you get from the sugar.
8 – Coffee or Tea
If you drink coffee or tea without the sugar and cream, you’ll get the perk you need to stay awake and keep on going. Just don’t drink too much.
9 – Water
Without the benefit of water you won’t be able to absorb the nutrients you do receive from healthy foods. Lack of water intake could cause fatigue because of dehydration.
10 – Salmon
This type of fish can decrease your risk of heart disease by providing you with the Omega 3 acids that you need to be alert and maintain a constant energy level.
Rather than eating three large meals a day, eating energy-rich foods several times a day lets you pace your energy boosts to accomplish everything you need to do and get a good rest at night. This strategy can also reduce stress – or at least help you cope with it.