If you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up, simple, whole foods are what your body is craving!
Whole foods are natural foods that are unprocessed, unrefined, and without any artificial ingredients. They carry a complex array of vital nutrients that will fuel and energize your body. You will most likely find these whole foods in the perimeter of the grocery store. Think fruits, veggies, animal protein, whole grains, etc.
I am passionate about helping my clients get their energy back through a nutrient-dense diet. I know first-hand what it feels like to have chronic fatigue from inflammation and autoimmunity. I also know exactly how to help turn that fatigue bus around!
In today’s article, we’re going to spotlight foods that contain specific nutrients known to boost energy, including carbohydrates, fats, B vitamins, and caffeine.
1. Eggs
First on the list– pasture-raised eggs, a superfood that many have feared for far too long!
Eggs are an excellent source of protein from the whites and fat from the yolks. They’re rich in B vitamins and many different minerals. These nutrients are specifically aimed at increasing energy levels and supporting the body on a cellular level. If you’re concerned about cholesterol, check out “Eat the Yolks” where you’ll learn that fat, cholesterol, and calories are essential for your health. Hard-boiling eggs is an easy way to incorporate this as a snack on the go.
2. Salmon
Wild-caught salmon is a nutrient-dense food packed with protein and healthy fats, specifically omega-3’s. They’re also rich in B vitamins and many different minerals.
The healthy fats found in salmon (and the other foods on this list) provide your body with a long-burning source of energy. B vitamins help a variety of enzymes do their jobs, ranging from releasing energy from carbohydrates and fat to breaking down amino acids and transporting oxygen and energy-containing nutrients around the body (1). While you can easily incorporate salmon as a protein in any meal, you can also choose wild-caught salmon jerky if you’re in need of this food on the go.
3. Walnuts
Walnuts are an incredible source of omega 3’s and part of the tree nut family. This food family includes Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, and pistachios (2). Rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, this food family is perfect for trail mix when feeling sluggish. Adding in some high-quality chocolate is great for an extra boost of energy (and flavor!).
4. Banana
Bananas are the first on this list that is a rich-source of complex carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide your body with a quick-burning source of energy compared to healthy fats, so this will be a great option before a workout.
While bananas may have a higher sugar content than any of the other foods on this list, these complex carbohydrates digest slowly, delivering energy steadily, keeping your blood sugar levels more stable (3). Bananas are a very good source of vitamin B6 and a good source of fiber and minerals like potassium and manganese (4).
5. Carrots
Carrots are truly the unsung heroes of digestion. These hardy vegetables carry a high-water content and are rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, and B vitamins that are wonderful for energy production! Aim to include one raw carrot per day with the skin on if organic.
6. Chocolate
Probably the easiest food to regularly incorporate on the list will be chocolate! High-quality chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains a small quantity of caffeine as well as theobromine, which is a stimulant. The darker the bar, the more caffeine and theobromine it contains (5).
Before you run off and grab the closest bar, please note that quality is really important! Look for 70% or higher content of organic cacao as the first ingredient, like this.
7. Coconut Water
Let’s wrap up this list with some beverages, as solid foods are not the only way to increase energy.
Hydration is paramount for optimal energy! When plain filtered water gets boring, choosing a high-quality electrolyte beverage like coconut water is an excellent choice. Always read the ingredients list and ensure the only ingredient is actually organic coconut water, like this one.
8. Coffee/Tea
The final item on this list includes organic, whole-food sources of caffeine, like coffee, tea, or cacao that will provide a boost in energy levels in addition to other nutrients that will benefit your body!
You may be surprised to learn that caffeine is actually a nutrient identified in more than 60 plant species, offering many benefits including improved memory, mental alertness, speed reasoning, weight loss, improved physical performance during endurance exercise, and protection against certain skin cancers (6). One note about caffeine. Different people have different genetic variations regarding how they metabolize caffeine. If you happen to be a slow metabolizer, caffeine will stay in your system longer, and it may be impacting your sleep. For that reason, slow metabolizers will want to use caution with their caffeine intake by limiting the quantity and timing of consumption. I recommend stopping caffeine intake by 12 noon. (My clients have the option of finding out how their genetic variations are potentially impacting their daily life, and learning which foods can specifically help them to feel their best, when they work with me in my Reclaim Your Energy Program.)
Whether you’re feeling a dip in energy or needing a boost of brainpower, incorporating one of these 8 foods listed will most definitely fuel your body! The common thread amongst these foods is that they are nutrient-dense (yes, even chocolate could be nutrient-dense!). Regularly incorporating foods like the ones listed above and focusing on a balance of high-quality protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs throughout your day is key for a nourished and vibrant system with sustained energy.
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xo Neeley at Your Epic Genetics
This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to you to educate you about healthy eating and living and as a self-help tool for your own use. It is not medical or psychological advice. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment.
For my full Disclaimer, please go to https://yourepicgenetics.com/index.php/disclaimer/
SOURCES
- “B Vitamins.” The Nutrition Source, 11 Aug. 2020, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamins/vitamin-b/.
- Walnuts, https://whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=99.
- Rodriguez, Diana, et al. “Carbohydrates: Your Body’s Most Important Source of Fuel.” EverydayHealth.com, https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/101/nutrition-basics/what-about-carbohydrates.aspx.
- Eggs, Pasture-Raised, https://whfoods.com/genpage.php tname=foodspice&dbid=92#healthbenefits.
- “FAQ.” Alter Eco, https://www.alterecofoods.com/pages/faq.
- “Caffeine: Benefits, Risks, and Effects.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/285194#risks.
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