Are you having a hard time keeping your eyes open at 2 or 3pm? You are not alone. These top 7 energy foods will help you to beat the afternoon slump and give your body all the fuel it needs to power through the day. Let’s boost those energy levels!
Bananas
Bananas are one of the best fuel sources on the planet. They offer a unique blend of vitamins, minerals and healthy carbohydrates that can be easily digested and transformed into energy. Bananas are particularly rich in potassium, a vital mineral that will help you to fight fatigue, stay hydrated and maintain lean muscle tissue. Always make sure to carry one or several bananas in your purse or lunch bag as a quick snack, blend some frozen banana into your daily green smoothies or treat yourself to a delicious bowl of banana berry ice cream.
Super Seeds
Super seeds like hemp, chia, pumpkin seeds and quinoa are packed with essential nutrients such as magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamin K. They are also a great source of healthy plant-based protein (quinoa contains all essential amino acids) and omega 3 fatty acids, which will keep your metabolism high and help you to burn more fat throughout the day & night. Have a large glass of cacao chip maca protein shake or this raspberry hemp protein shake in the afternoon, enjoy a large bowl of quinoa salad for lunch or treat yourself to a warming plate of red lentil stew like the one in my Raw Recipe eBook for Beginners in the evening.
Almonds
Almonds are packed with energy-boosting nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. Magnesium for instance will help you to produce energy, deal with stress more effectively, boost your mood and support your immune system. Almonds are also high in protein, fibre and healthy fats. All three of those will stabilize your blood sugar levels, keep your energy levels high and curb your appetite. Always carry a small bag of sprouted almonds with you. By soaking your nuts, you will remove the enzyme inhibitors and make them easier to digest. Do you prefer salted nuts? Make sure to try the tamari ‘roasted’ almonds from my Raw Recipe eBook for Beginners. I love combining them with a piece of fresh banana!
Sweet Potato
Low blood sugar is one of the most common causes of low energy levels. If you often feel tired in the afternoon, don’t reach for a quick sugar fix or a cup of coffee. These will only give you ‘false’ energy and leave you feeling completely exhausted by the end of the day. The best way to avoid low blood sugar levels is to stay away from refined carbohydrates and energy drinks, and instead fuel your body with healthy ‘complex’ carbohydrates such as fresh fruit, legumes, quinoa, sweet potato and yams. Sweet potato is particularly high in fibre, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and calcium. It will stabilize your blood sugar levels, keep your energy levels high throughout the day and help you to lose weight by satisfying your sweet tooth. Yes, you read it right: not all carbs are bad for you! Healthy complex carbohydrate such as yams, sweet potatoes, fresh fruits and quinoa will help you to slim down (say hello to that bikini body ☺), feel happy and beat those cravings for unhealthy snacks.
Greens
Have you fallen in love with leafy greens yet? Whether you prefer to have them in smoothies, juices, salads, soups, stews or wraps, they will boost your energy levels through the roof! Greens are filled with rejuvenating vitamins, nutritious minerals, revitalizing enzymes, easily digestible plant-based protein and filling fibre. If you are feeling tired all the time, you are probably suffering from high inflammation levels and oxidative stress. By adding a daily dose of greens to your diet, you will begin to alkalize your body, reduce inflammation levels and therefore increase your energy levels. Don’t know where to start? There are so many greens to choose from! Broccoli, spinach, Romaine lettuce, kale, collard greens, chard, parsley, basil, mint, bok choy, mustard greens, arugula, Brussels sprouts, watercress, kohlrabi… The list is truly endless. Enjoy them raw or slightly steamed for maximum nutrition and flavour.
Avocado
Avocado is one of the healthiest fruits you can add to your daily diet. It will keep your skin smooth and youthful, lower your ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels, and increase your resting metabolic rate. This means you will be burning more calories even when you are fast asleep! Avocado is particularly high in B-vitamins, beta-carotene (the precursor of vitamin A), magnesium and vitamin E, which are all essential for high energy, strong bones and optimal digestion. Don’t be afraid of the good fats in avocado, because they will actually help you to lose weight. Feel free to enjoy ¼ of ½ avocado each day if you keep your intake of other healthy fats (nuts, seeds, coconut, olives…) low. You can add it to delicious wraps, blend it into your favourite soups to give them a creamier consistency, add it to your favourite raw vegan salsa or transform it into a decadent chocolate mousse.
Raw Vegan Granola
Do you have a crazy busy schedule and are you looking for a quick snack to boost your energy levels & satisfy your craving for something sweet and crunchy? Try a handful of raw granola with a glass of creamy almond milk, a cup of warm herbal tea, a colourful mix of fresh berries, or just like that. Make sure you choose a raw vegan granola that doesn’t contain any gluten, refined sugars or soy. If you can’t find a healthy variety in your area, try and make your own. It is packed with nutrients and it will stay fresh for at least one month if you dehydrate it well. Make sure to prepare a big batch, because it probably won’t last that long ☺
Now I would love to hear from you! What are you favourite energy snacks to beat the afternoon slump? Let me know by leaving a comment down below.
