Are you tired of being tired? A lack of sleep may not be the only contributing factor – for optimum energy, it’s also important to incorporate the best foods for energy into your diet.
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Not sure what foods give you energy? Keep scrolling for 10 energy-boosting foods, to keep your mind and body buzzing all day long…
Oats
Aside from being dee-licious, oats are one of the best breakfast foods for energy. This is because they’re low GI, meaning they’re broken down slowly by the body to provide a steady stream of energy throughout the day. They’re full of fibre, too, so they’ll also help normalise digestion, as well as keep blood sugar stable.
Spinach
There’s a reason why low iron levels (or anemia) causes lethargy. Foods high in iron increase red blood cells in the body, which are responsible for supplying oxygen to the brain and increasing your energy levels. Foods high in iron include red meat, beans, broccoli and some nuts, all of which provide you with fuel to help keep you feeling alert and energised.
Bananas
These tasty yellow treats are great snacks, especially for those doing exercise as they contain potassium, which helps maintain nerve and muscle function. Bananas are also a rich source of energy-boosting B-vitamins, which give you that instant oomph when you start to feel an afternoon lull setting in. For best results, have a banana together with other high-energy foods, such as oats!
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Whole grains
The body uses the carbs found in whole grains to produce glucose, which provides your body with energy. Whole grains found in things like multigrain breads, brown rice/pasta and oats will keep you fuller for longer periods of time and provide you with sustained energy to keep you feeling vibrant and energised.
Quinoa
This South American ‘sacred’ grain is high in protein and fibre and contains a rich variety of minerals. Super easy to cook (you make it just like rice), it’ll help you get through those days when you feel like you’ve hit a wall! Use it as a base for a salad, as an accompaniment to your dinner, or even sprinkle it over your food for an extra nutrient hit.
Salmon
This fish is full of powerful nutrients including protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Protein helps to rebuild muscle cells, which is important for everyone – especially those living an active lifestyle – while omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in heart, brain and skin health.
Apples
If you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up snack, apples are the way to go. Apples contain natural sugars, fibre, vitamin C, and boron – a mineral that helps keep you alert and enhances healthy bone/muscle growth.
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Trail Mix
Nuts are loaded with protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates, all of which are rich sources of energy. Avoid unhealthy trail mixes that contain choccie pieces and fried banana chips (sorry ladies!) by creating your own energy mix at home. Choose dried fruit that is free from sulphur and low in added sugar.
Beans, lentils and chickpeas
These power-foods are all packed with protein, carbs and fibre, which provide a great source of all-round energy for your body. Try adding beans and lentils to salads or soups, or for a nutrient-rich snack, hummus (full of chickpeas) and veggie sticks are a gem!
Low-fat dairy products
For an easy snack option that’s high in protein and calcium (good for sustained energy and strong bones), try adding Greek yoghurt to cereal, or low-fat cottage cheese to whole grain crackers for an afternoon shot of energy.
Do you find you often get tired? What foods do you eat to try increase your energy?
