7 Energy-Boosting Superfoods to Eat When You’re Feeling Drained, According to Nutrition Experts

As a result, you’re more likely to skip that mid-morning doughnut in the office break room that will spike your blood sugar and crash your energy. This “means they provide steady energy without dramatic blood sugar spikes,” he notes. The tubers also contain B vitamins, which are necessary for energy production. “Lean beef is an excellent source of protein, but more importantly, it contains vitamin B12 and zinc, which are crucial for converting food into energy,” Twigge explains. She adds that it’s also an excellent source of heme iron, which provides the oxygen needed for energy production in the body.

Essential Mindsets For Continuous Career Growth

To lose weight, you generally need to be in a calorie deficit, which means burning more calories than you consume. Look for opportunities to incorporate more movement into your daily routine. Take the stairs, walk during phone calls, or get up every hour to https://aanmc.org/naturopathic-medicine/holistic-nutrition-overview/ stretch and move around. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support your metabolism and overall well-being. Many gyms offer HIIT workout classes, but you don’t need a gym to do HIIT. Try alternating between 30 seconds of fast-paced movement (e.g., jumping jacks, high knees, or sprinting) and 30 seconds of rest, repeating for minutes, up to three times a week.

Easy meals that combine protein, fibre and healthy fats

Consuming garlic regularly helps fight inflammation, prevent infections and maintain overall vitality. Whether raw, roasted or cooked, garlic works behind the scenes to keep your body clean and resilient. A staple of predominantly plant-based diets, “nooch” adds more than just a sprinkling of cheese-like flavor. Those golden flakes are full of B vitamins, and vitamin B12 in particular is required for energy metabolism, the process of turning nutrients you consume into fuel.

Incorporate more mince into your meals to up your iron levels

For example, coffee contains 4-methylimidazole, which the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) has identified as a carcinogen. The compound is used to manufacture many products, from dyes to agricultural chemicals and rubber. What is more, the colon-derived phenolic acids appear to have in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, and to protect human nerve cells against oxidative damage, says Crozier. Some of the phenolic acids are also thought to be involved in helping to prevent regular coffee drinkers from developing type two diabetes. Staying on top of your physical activity levels, hydration, and sleep will also help reduce tiredness and keep you feeling energized during the day.

Green tea has moderate amount of caffeine, which is a natural energy booster and it contains a compound called L-theanine for focused, steady energy instead of jitters,” Blatner explains. The brew is also robust in antioxidants that contribute to a healthy, effective immune system. If you do need a little more caffeine but still don’t want the shakes, give matcha a try. The green powder is made from green tea leaves and makes for a delicious hot or cold beverage. “Mix 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of matcha in a small mug of hot water or plant-based milk, and (optionally) a dash of your favorite sweetener,” Blatner says. Cottage cheese is also an excellent source of vitamin B12, an essential for energy production, says Blatner.

Plan Your Meals Ahead

energy boosting foods

This nourishing sumac-frilled salmon recipe packs in 10 different plant foods thanks to a vibrant, no-cook fattoush made with beetroot, cucumber, feta and plenty of fresh herbs. Chia pudding is a no-fuss morning meal to start your day with a scoop of omega-3s. A mango and ginger smoothie is perfect for those days when you need a spark.

Fruits and Vegetables

You don’t need to go out for sushi to enjoy this fan favorite appetizer. You can find edamame both in the shell and pre-shelled in the freezer section of many grocery stores, so keep a few bags on hand to create energizing meals and healthy snacks. You may also like roasted edamame snacks (just grab a bag without too much sodium) for a crunchy on-the-go option. Ready to achieve the zip that will allow you to go, go, go all day long? Our nutrition experts shared some of their top high energy foods to boost you up so you can do just that. Brain fog and fatigue may be less of a problem if you snack on a handful of walnuts.

“Sorghum is one of those ancient grains that a lot of people don’t know about,” Taub-Dix says. It’s a complex carbohydrate, so you don’t get the fatigue that can strike after eating simple carbs, unimeal app as noted in this report. You’ll want to rule out any specific nutrient deficiencies that could cause fatigue or weakness.

Healthy Fats: Slow-release Fuel to Keep You Energized

By choosing the right foods, you can keep your blood sugar levels stable, prevent energy crashes, and maintain a steady stream of stamina throughout your day. Read on to discover the best foods for boosting your energy and stamina. The avocado will not only make you feel fuller between meals because of its healthy fats, but it’s also jam-packed with vitamins, like vitamin C, E and B6. The berry mixture adds in antioxidants and gives this drink a sweet taste.

Caffeine in the bloodstream

Yet the story is far more complex than a simple battle between antioxidants and free radicals. All of the antioxidant-rich products, from red wine to coffee, have far subtler modes of action than previously thought, says Alan Crozier, a plant biochemist at the University of Glasgow, UK. Animal protein is classified as a complete protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids in the right proportions. This makes animal-based protein sources an efficient way to meet the body’s protein needs without having to combine different foods. Consuming complete proteins can be especially beneficial for muscle growth, recovery, and overall bodily function. Technically, all food sources give the body energy in calories, but protein is not the body’s primary energy source.

Creamy Watermelon Smoothie

These “good bacteria” can protect the body from other, more harmful bacteria. Valerie Agyeman (she/her) is a women’s health dietitian and the host of the Flourish Heights podcast, where she produces science-driven content covering overlooked nutrition, wellness and women’s health topics. She has over 10 years of combined nutrition communications, corporate wellness and clinical nutrition experience. Valerie is a trusted expert in the media, regularly appearing on networks such as Fox 5 DC, PIX-11, and ABC’s Good Morning Washington. She is also a contributing expert to publications like Women’s Health Magazine, Prevention, Good Housekeeping, and The Everygirl. It’s mid-afternoon, and here comes that all-too-familiar feeling — you’re dragging, and you’re also starving.

  • Greek yogurt is a great source of calcium which is crucial for bone health.
  • The necessary human trials are costly and take a relatively long time to complete.
  • One large egg contains 6.3 g of protein as well as vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, potassium, and choline.
  • “Beans of every variety pack a ton of nutrients and calories into any meal, which is helpful when you are working to reduce your grocery spending,” says Trista Best, a registered dietitian at The Candida Diet.
  • Over the years, research has shown that healthy dietary patterns can reduce risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
  • We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Whole grains and complex carbs

Batch cooking can help ease the effort of cooking and allow you some rest days, or make a nutritious lunch to take with you. The key is to add to your diet though, not just remove things you see as unhealthy. For example if at lunch your normal go-to is a salad, make sure it’s a substantial one with protein and wholegrain carbs. Make sure you’ve got enough fibre, which we don’t eat enough of,” says Dr Patel.

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