When you are feeling tired the first thing many people turn to is caffeine. With the bombardment of marketing around energy drinks and high-caffeine beverages, it is easy to see why this is the first solution that comes to mind.
However, caffeine and high-sugar beverages are far from the most nutritious options for those seeking more energy to jump-start their day. Here are a handful of great options energizing foods that will give you the boost you need!
1. Bananas
This potassium filled fruit is very popular, due largely to its year-round popularity and low price per pound. But besides being an easy breakfast snack, did you ever consider the energy benefits bananas can provide? It’s no wonder they’re the fruit you see commonly eaten on the sidelines of professional sporting events.
Plus bananas can provide a great boost to your brain. While many people think of bananas as a way to start your day, eating one around lunch can give you the energy you need to power through and have a strong afternoon.
Besides the energy boost, bananas are also packed with nutrients including Vitamin B6, Fiber, Potassium, Magnesium, Vitamin C, and Manganese.
2. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great pairing with bananas and is a fantastic breakfast choice. It is loaded with fiber and carbohydrates which, when eaten early in the day, will release into your body slowly during the day.
If you do not normally eat oatmeal, give it a try for yourself. You may discover the mornings you eat oatmeal make for your most productive days.
3. Green Tea
While green tea does contain caffeine, this is not the aspect that fuels the energy you receive from the drink. Instead, it’s the amino acid L-theanine which calms the mind without making you sleepy.
The amino acid found in green tea also can positively impact your brain. If you are used to feeling the buzz that comes with coffee, give green tea a try – you may enjoy the very different buzz that comes with the beverage.
Green tea does contain more caffeine per ounce than Coca Cola, however, it lacks much of the sugar and other additives that make soda problematic.
4. Gum
This one you have likely tried before. The process of chewing gum can increase your alertness and push through your tiredness. Students at Coventry University in England conducted a study in 2011 that compared chewing gum to either simulating the motion of chewing gum or not chewing gum at all. The students discovered that chewing gum (as opposed to the simulated jaw movements) had an impact on alertness.
Anyone who has shopped for gum at a supermarket knows there is a wide variety of flavors and brands available. This ranges from gum that contains vitamins, caffeine, or claims to have dental benefits. In the sea of these claims it’s great to know that whatever gum you select, the process of chewing it will be a boost to your alertness.
5. Almonds and Walnuts
Often recognized as a great boost for your brain these nuts are loaded with high levels of Omega-3. For this same reason, they can be beneficial in boosting your alertness and helping you stay sharp at work. With these great health benefits, you can now find almonds and walnuts available at a wide variety of stores, making them a convenient snack to bring along.
You will want to pay attention to the nutrition facts on your nuts as some can be cooked with a wide variety of nasty oils.
6. Pumpkin Seeds
Most people sit down to carve a pumpkin for decoration once a year, but it turns out these really are versatile foods to eat, particularly their seeds. While not a quick energy booster, pumpkin seeds are loaded with zinc to help you get your sleep cycle on track after days of restless sleep.
Additionally, pumpkin seeds are a leader in other nutrients you may not be getting enough of, including vitamin K, magnesium, and iron.