5 High-Energy Boosting Foods You Should Add To Your Diet

We’ve all been there; it’s 3pm and you’re staring at the clock, unbelievably engrossed in tiredness and feeling all you’re capable of for the rest of the day is crawling back into bed!

In an attempt to fight fatigue, you reach for the nearest cupcake or cup of coffee to find that the sweet taste of the sugary snack is only a short term solution to your lack of energy.

Here, we suggest 5 healthy foods to help you recover from the energy slump rut in the long term – leaving you feeling re-awakened and restored.

Lemon Water

The simplest way to get a boost, ever! Adding lemon to water transforms regular H20 into a natural energy drink that is packed with electrolytes, which are critical for cells to produce energy. Hydration, in general, is key for a mood boost; a 2012 study found that women who were mildly dehydrated reported feeling fatigued.

Fresh Fruit

The natural sugar in fruit makes it one of the many high-energy foods. It provides a quick pick-me-up when you're dragging and helps keep blood sugar levels steady because it's packed with fiber. Make an energizing breakfast smoothie with blueberries (helps you focus), strawberries (high in vitamin C, which helps turn fat to energy) and yogurt (rich in magnesium, which helps regulate the release of energy). Or toss in a tropical fruit like pineapple, which contains iodine to help control how quickly your body burns energy. Not a smoothie person? Fruits with peels, like bananas or apples, are good choices to take to work or when you're on the go. Try these natural energy boosters that will change your life.

Unsalted Nuts

Raw, unsalted nuts are a great source of energy as a snack to fight the after lunch slump. They are free from processing and contain nutrients like vitamin E and natural fats, which act as a long lasting store of energy. Adding a handful of raw, unsalted nuts to your morning muesli will act as a great energy boosting breakfast.

Dark Chocolate 70%

Nibbling a square of dark chocolate as a post-lunch dessert is good for you and a great high-energy food. It contains the natural stimulant theobromine, similar to caffeine, which boosts your energy and your mood. These are the high-energy foods that dietitians eat.

Wholegrains

Carbohydrates provide 60 percent of the energy required to make your body go, and whole grains are packed with complex carbs (the good kind!), which are full of vitamins and minerals. Eating whole grains can prevent a surge in blood sugar after your next meal, according to a study in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, which means fewer energy crashes than when you eat refined carbohydrates in sugary or heavily processed snacks. Start your day with oatmeal or a high-fiber cereal to stay full until lunch, or snack on whole-grain crackers or granola bars for an afternoon boost.