Back when we did a segment on 10TV on Foods that will Increase your Energy, we first spoke about the factors that pull down energy levels. That’s because kale and other superfoods, such as maca and spirulina, can only do just so much when there are other agents at play.
Why is my energy so low?
Here are some typical energy drains written out as an acrostic:
Fast food
Alcohol
Tired (from not getting enough sleep)
&
Time constraints, stress
Immunity (e.g being sick or having autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and more)
Relational issues at home or work
Eating inconsistently (i.e. skipping breakfast or eating late at night)
Depression
So these factors can make us feel fat and tired. And what do we do when we feel this way? Well, we usually turn to coffee and sugar, which provide a short-term solution but not long-term, sustained energy.
Now that we’ve identified the energy drains, here’s what to do about it. Consider adding in foods that will give us an energy boost, such as:
Yerba Mate – a good coffee alternative which provides caffeine but usually without the jitteriness associated with coffee
Beneficial fats – olives, avocado on toast, nuts and seeds all provide longer-lasting energy. A tip here is to keep nuts and seeds in your desk drawer, work bag or purse so that you always have a better option when you’re hungry and still have work to do or errands to run.
Maca powder – can help with energy, mood, memory and even with balancing hormones. It’s great in smoothies and in our Cocoa-Maca Energy Balls recipe
Spirulina – a blue-green algae that has protein, iron, and B vitamins (all important for energy)
Greens – one of most under-utilized food groups and yet they provide so many minerals and vitamins that give us energy and help us feel great. Kale chips and smoothies are easy ways to include them into your diet.
Chia seeds – they have fiber, protein, and omega-3s. Try our Spiced Vanilla Chia Pudding
Instead of hitting the vending machine for candy bars or nearest coffee shop for an espresso, try these are nutrient-rich options whenever you need a natural energy boost!
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