5 must have foods to boost your energy!
Feeling sluggish? Maybe from poor diet or life in general, either way it’s no surprise many of us are going into the new year with lower energy than we would like. There are a variety of ways you can get yourself feeling perkier, but for longer lasting sustainable energy it is worth incorporating some of these simple foods into your daily diet.
Bananas
These are the ultimate high-powered snack. Although high in natural sugar they are rich in fibres which help slow the digestion of that sugar. Great to eat before exercise or when you need a lift in energy levels, better still, spread some almond butter on them and you will have a snack to end all snacks!
Chia Seeds
Don’t be fooled by their size! These little seeds are one of the healthiest foods you can eat and are incredible for both body and brain. On their own they are pretty bland, but that is partly their magic. They are so versatile and can be added to almost anything! Our favourite ways to incorporate these are adding them into smoothies, soaked in juice or milk, and added to porridge or cereal as a topping.
Dark Chocolate
If a sweet tooth is something you struggle with, a few pieces of dark chocolate may be just what you need to satisfy both your craving and beat the afternoon slump. With a high cocoa content than regular chocolate you get beneficial antioxidants, caffeine and essential nutrients which can help fight fatigue. It is a great swap for your regular coffee! Just ensure you are choosing a good quality dark chocolate, as many chocolate products that are marketed with claims to boost energy also contain added sugars and fats.
Avocados
A love/hate kind of fruit but one which keeps you energised in many ways! Full of healthy fats which enhances the way your body absorbs and stores nutrients, they are also rich in fibre which helps maintain energy levels. If you are not a fan of the texture or taste then consider blending into a smoothie mixed with other fruits, this will make your smoothie creamier and we can guarantee you won’t be able to taste it! Other tips are spreading on toast as a butter replacement, added to salads and making homemade guacamole.
Sweet Potato
Although these require a little prep work, we say it’s worth it considering they are so powerful in boosting energy levels and your immune system. Thanks to the blend of fibres and complex carbs the body digests them slowly, providing a sustainable release of energy. We like to prepare them the night before, simply roasting them with a bit of seasoning then adding them to salads or eat as a snack with a drizzle of honey!
