I absolutely love everything about coffee. I’m really fond of the taste. I appreciate the antioxidants and the slew of benefits that coffee offers. And, I look forward to the caffeine pick-me-up in the mornings.
That’s the clincher. I, and for most people I know, consider coffee to be the go-to when in need of energy. Coffee is wonderful and all, but there are also so many different foods and drink options when you’re looking for that little jolt of liveliness.
When I need a break from coffee (yes, that’s needed once in a while!), here are my five fave forms of sustenance for that extra energy kick.
1) Eggs
Eggs for breakfast is a perfect way to start your day because they can keep your body energized in several ways.
Eggs are rich in choline, an essential nutrient in the B vitamin family. Choline contributes to efficient metabolism and helps the central nervous system to function.
Protein and healthy fats in the whole egg help keep blood sugar levels stable. One medium egg contains just 70 to 85 calories and about 6.5 grams of protein. This is absolutely key to preventing afternoon slumps and sugar cravings which tend to come after carbohydrate-dense foods are eaten.
2) Oats
Consuming oats is also a very good way to start your morning. Carbs, despite its reputation for being bad for you, are a source of energy for your body. Whole grains, like oatmeal, are low on the glycemic index and a rich source of glucan—a type of fiber that gives you a sustained bout of energy and keeps you feeling satisfied longer.
Oats also contain stress-lowering B vitamins like niacin, thiamin, and folate, which work together to help your body metabolize energy. For the best nutrition kick, steer clear of instant oats or sugary, flavored varieties.
3) Avocados
Avocados keep you feeling energized for a few different reasons.
They’re chock full of healthy fats, which have been shown to enhance the way your body absorbs nutrients and can also be stored by your body to be used as energy sources.
The fiber in avocados helps maintain steady energy levels. Avocados are also a great source of B vitamins, which your body uses to convert food into energy. In addition to all of these, avocados provide more protein than most fruits. Since we need carbs, fat, and protein for sustained energy, it is this combination of nutrients that makes an avocado such an amazing energy bomb.
4) Raw Almonds
Almonds contain magnesium, an electrolyte needed for proper muscle function. It is known that if you have low magnesium levels, you have the tendency to tire out more quickly during exercise.
These babies also provide a ton of B vitamins like niacin, folate, thiamin, and riboflavin, which help convert food to energy. The best part of almonds is they’re so handy and easy to keep on you for a quick snack.
I recommend you nibble on the raw variety over-roasted, salted, or with any added calories. I always keep a snack-size portion in my purse whenever I get a little hungry between meals and when I need a little pick-me-up.
5) Mineral water
If you’ve read my previous articles, you’ll know that I like to stress the importance of drinking water. I believe in the power of drinking water for many reasons, but energy is chief among them.
If you’re feeling sluggish, it could be from dehydration, of which fatigue is a very common symptom. So, drinking water should be the first go-to when you need to shake off the feeling of tiredness.
With two-thirds of our body made of water, it is important to stay hydrated. Water helps control body temperature, digestion, and acts as a medium in many metabolic processes in the body, including energy production. And, if you drink specifically mineral water (which I highly encourage), it’s rich in essential nutrients that are quite beneficial to overall health.
Although eight glasses of water per day is the classic recommendation, the amount of water you need varies from person to person (weight, gender, exercise, environment, health, etc.).
As you may notice, there’s one obvious common trait among my favorite energy-boosting foods. They’re all very nutrient-rich—from healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Consuming all these energizes your body by giving it the fuel it needs. No shortcuts; no easy fixes. Just eat well and stay hydrated for that good clean energy everyone needs on the daily!