Many people feel tired at some point during the day. A lack of energy can affect your daily activities and make you less productive and less active. Not surprisingly, the type and quantity of food you eat play an essential role in your energy levels during the day. Even though any food will give you some energy, certain foods contain high level of specific nutrients that could help increase your energy levels and maintain your alertness and focus throughout the day. Here’s a list of the top 5 superfoods foods that have been proven to help promote energy levels.
MACA
Maca, which kind of looks like a radish, originates from Peru and is traditionally used by the Peruvian people as both food and medicine, often by first grounding it into a powder that has a nutty, slightly butterscotch-y taste which is why it’s great in smoothies. It’s known for its caffeine-free ability to provide an energy boost, without being a stimulant (like caffeine), so it won't leave you jittery for that morning meeting...Maca is also believed to boost the libido and is widely used as an aphrodisiac (you’re welcome). Not only this, its big doses of potassium help support muscles to prevent those morning aches - aka give you that jump out of bed feeling!
HOW TO USE: Add a scoop of maca powder to homemade granola, energy balls or even cookie dough—the options are endless!
Check out our recipes packed with MACA:
GUARANA
This eyeball-looking fruit Guarana, is a Brazilian plant native to the Amazon basin and the extract is created by processing the seeds into a powder. It contains an impressive range of stimulants, such as caffeine, theophylline and theobromine. Therefore, Guarana can allow you to focus more, as evidenced by its mass use in energy drinks. This can also help combat the symptoms of fatigue, helping keep you alert for longer.
HOW TO USE: As we mentioned before, guarana is often found in energy drinks...But have you ever seen the ingredients on these? It’s chemicals and synthetic ingredients galore.. Ew.Simply add 1 tsp of Guarana to smoothies, teas or any other favorite beverage for a healthy and powerful energy boost. You can also add it to hot water for an alternative to coffee or add it to cereal or yogurt to fuel you for the day!
Check out our recipes packed with GUARANA:
GOJI BERRIES
Vibrant, sweet Goji berries have been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries to improve vitality, energy and longevity. With 12 times more antioxidant than blueberries, more Vitamin C than oranges and more iron than spinach, it’s no wonder these berries top the charts of the most nutrient-dense foods. They're also known to be a significant source of carbohydrates for energy, and amino acids to help meet the body's protein needs. A solution for the post-workout achey, tired mornings!
HOW TO USE:Goji berries can be added to all kinds of foods to give your body that energy boost, all whilst sweetening up anything that needs it! Think breakfast granola all the way to curries!
Check out our recipes packed with GOJI BERRIES:
CHIA SEEDS
These bad boys might be small but they pack a powerful nutritional punch. They contain large amounts of dietary fibre and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as high-quality protein and several essential minerals and antioxidants. As they can absorb up to 10 x their weight in liquid, they quickly create a sensation of fullness which is great for that busy day ahead.
HOW TO USE:Sprinkle a small number of seeds in your oatmeal or even salad dressings and sauces for a subtle, and very healthy crunch.
Check out our recipes packed with CHIA SEEDS:
COCONUT OIL
This iconic fruit is loved globally for its refreshing water and slightly nutty-flavored flesh.The water of coconuts is high in potassium and other electrolytes that support your body to replenish those lost during exercise. In fact, it contains significantly more potassium than popular sports drinks (bye bye muscle cramps!). The energy boost is not just found in the water, but Coconut cream and oil contains healthy saturated fats that in the morning can help wake your brain up by supporting cognitive function.
HOW TO USE:Unlike olive oil, coconut oil is stable at high temperatures, so it's a good choice for high-heat cooking (think stir-fries, curries etc). Coconut cream or milk is unbelievably tasty in curries, complementing the spiciness with a subtly sweet flavor...yum!
Check out our recipes packed with COCONUT OIL:
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