You really are what you eat and your meals should fuel your entire day so you never miss a workout, errand or task at work. But how do you make sure your meals are as energizing as possible?
With some simple guidelines, you can avoid the afternoon slump and amp up your energy and productivity.
Energizing Nutrient: Chlorophyll
Ingredient to Try: Dark Greens
Green foods are rich in chlorophyll, which is the pigment responsible for their vibrant color. It also happens to be great for the body. Start adding more dark, leafy greens to your diet -- make salads, bake them into chips or sauté them with some olive oil and lemon juice. You can also take things a step further with a green food supplement adding to a smoothie.
Energizing Nutrient: Fiber
Ingredient to Try: Chia Seeds
Fiber helps you feel more satisfied after eating and keeps you feeling full, longer. Foods rich in fiber also support heart health. Chia seeds are tiny with a mild flavor and can be added to just about anything. Grind them into a meal and mix them into prepared foods to boost fiber intake -- one serving provides 10 g of fiber as well as omega-3s.
Energizing Nutrient: Magnesium
Ingredient to Try: Quinoa Pasta
Magnesium is a vital mineral you may not realize you're low on. Not only is it needed for bone health, magnesium supports the nerves and keeps your energy up. One serving of quinoa provides more than 80 percent of your recommended daily magnesium. We like to use quinoa pasta in place of white pasta, which is higher in refined carbohydrates as it is.
Energizing Nutrient: Protein
Ingredient to Try: Protein Powder
Protein provides the body with amino acids, which are needed to build lean muscle mass as well as for energy, strength and endurance. While adding protein powder to your diet may not seem like the most radical idea, it can be added to more than just shakes. Use it as a base for baked goods like muffins or use it for your morning pancakes for an energizing breakfast.
Energizing Nutrient: Carbohydrates
Ingredient to Try: Blueberries
Carbohydrates are sugars and while you may think they're all bad for you, that's just not true. Carbohydrates really are the body's fuel and carbs from natural sources, like whole fruits, are the way to go. Blueberries provide about 21 g of carbohydrates per serving to perk you up. They also contain antioxidants like vitamin C, which support healthy memory for the long term.
Energizing Nutrient: Fats
Ingredient to Try: Coconut Oil
The right fats can make all the different in your diet. They can actually help you lose weight/maintain a healthy weight and make you feel more energized instead of sluggish. Coconut oil is one of our pantry staples for this reason and we use it to stir-fry veggies and make healthier sweet treats. But one of our favorite ways to get its energy-boosting benefits is by stirring it into our morning coffee.
Try making these changes to your diet and see how energized you feel. We have everything you need at eVitamins. Stay well!
