Boost Your Energy Levels By Looking Towards Your Plate

If you find you are unable to make it through the day without mainlining coffee, you might want to take a look at your diet. It’s a fact: not all calories are created equal and what you eat is more important to your energy levels than just eating in general. Here are a few of our favorite foods that will help boost your energy and make you more productive during the day:

What the Experts Say
The nutrition experts at The Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa in Miami, Florida, recommend plant based foods, loaded with powerful nutrients to help our bodies run on premium fuel. Check out Pritikin’s top six super foods for boosting energy. They will keep you feeling svelte and healthy—and with plenty of energy to burn  

Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and veggies are always going to be a solid choice for your body. These energy foods are packed with nutrients and are easier to digest. And that means you won’t fall into a food coma later. However, even in the fruit and veggie category, you want to keep an eye out for these specific healthy eating options:

• Bananas –bananas could be called nature’s energy bar. They are loaded with carbohydrates, potassium and B6 vitamins.
• Sweet Potatoes – a delicious and nutritious treat with 438% of your vitamin A Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).
• Apples – loaded with fiber, natural sugars and carbs, it’s easy to see why an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
• Goji Berries – research has shown that goji juice assists in mental performance and alertness and decreases feelings of fatigue.
• Edamame – loaded with folic acid, this snack works with iron to promote energy and fight off anemia.
• Avocados – toast or no, this superfood is packed with healthy fats.
• Oranges – packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that protect you from oxidative stress, known to cause fatigue.
• Strawberries – these delicious berries can help fight inflammation and give you a serious energy boost.
• Spinach and Kale – High in iron, these leafy greens help fight off an iron deficiency which can cause fatigue.
• Beets – their naturally occurring nitrates help improve blood flow throughout the body allowing more oxygen delivery to tissues.

For more tips, check out this expanded list of energy foods at Healthline.

Your Energy Basics
When you need something a bit hardier than a leafy green salad, here are some great options for you to explore.

• Brown Rice – less processed than white rice, brown rice has more nutrients. Plus, it has a low glycemic index so it helps regulate blood sugar.
• Eggs – packed with protein and leucine, an amino acid that helps boost energy levels.
• Quinoa – a protein packed superfood that gives you energy that lasts all day.
• Oatmeal – it contains beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that keeps your stomach fuller for longer.
• Lentils – Rich in carbs and fiber, they will keep you full and energized for hours.

Treats
If you need an energizing pick me up that’s also a little indulgent, pop yourself a little popcorn or snack on a piece of dark chocolate. Both will give you more energy than any of the junk food options in the office vending machine.