Sometimes its hard to find the energy to get through a loooonnnggggg day. And although there are hundreds of (shady) products out there that can provide your body with a quick burst of energy it’s not always the best choice for your body…in fact it might actually be dangerous.
Oh…and I am talking about trying to get your senses going with energy drinks like Redbull, Rockstar, Burn, Monster, Full Throttle..the list can go on.
But seeing how you may need a little burst of energy to prevent you from falling asleep at your desk, there are 4 foods that can kick your body right awake!
Oatmeal
Eating oatmeal can is something that should be on your breakfast list almost every morning. It’s high in fiber, low in fat, and low in calories. Plus, consuming oatmeal helps prevent heart disease by lowering your bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing your good cholesterol (HDL). Oatmeal’s also great because it’s a meal in which you can customize and be as creative as you want. You can top it off with fruit, nuts, or berries for some added flavor, nutrients and a whole lot of energy!
Yogurt
Yogurt’s one of my favorite high-energy foods. This calcium-rich food keeps your bones staying super strong and helps fight off any infections by increasing your immune system. Another added benefit is the live bacteria in yogurt. The good bacteria help to keep your intestinal tract functioning at its optimal level. Now you don’t need to go out and buy the yogurt with high fat or extra fat content. You’ll get the same benefits with the low-fat or non-fat versions. Just like oatmeal you can also add fruits, nuts, berries, or high fiber cereals to give your yogurt an extra kick in nutritional value and flavor.
Spinach
Spinach is a vegetable that’s packed with vitamins, minerals and super healing powers. On top of all that, it’s a great source for antioxidants, and folic acid that will help protect you from many diseases. Research has also shown that spinach may lower your risk of strokes, colon cancer, cataracts, heart disease, osteoporosis, hip fractures, memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and even birth defects (WOW, thats a mouthfull).
Canned Salmon, Tuna, or Sardines
Heart health is all over the news these days. Salmon, tuna, and sardines are three types fish that are loaded with essential, heart-healing, inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids. Getting these fish into your daily eating plan is pretty easy. You can just add them to a fresh tossed spinach salad (notice how I made it a “spinach” salad? 
), a sandwich or as a snack on some healthy crackers.
There yah have it, if your body is craving some energy or you just need a little energy boost before a workout session, try your luck with one of the four foods above.
As always if you have any questions or comments leave ‘em below and I’ll be more than happy to help you out.
Excellent suggestions, but I only made it for 3 out of four. Just can't make myself go for the spinach.
My favorite way to “gussy up” oatmeal is peanut butter (or PB2) and ground flax seed. Even before it's had a chance to digest, I feel better because I *know* how good it is for me.
Have a great weekend, Marci!
OooOOoO peanut butter huh! I've gotta try that! always just used raw nuts, almonds and stuff….but will try that for sure!
Thanks,
and enjoy your weekend too Cammy!
This is good – I'm having these all in one day today. Oatmeal with dried apricots, prunes, strawberries, nuts and yoghurt for breakfast and salmon on spinach with feta cheese and pine nuts tonight ….drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Can't wait!!
Oh my goodness Heather! That's Fabulous! Was your intention to make me drool? cause that salmon + spinach and feta is callin' my name !! Well done ..keep it up!