10 All Natural Energy BOOSTS!

10 All Natural Energy Boosts!

They aren't going to run themselves!

This morning I woke up DRAINED. I rarely have this feeling (especially since switching to an all organic/healthier eating plan) so I can't explain to you how much I hate it. I have sworn off most processed foods and a high caloric energy drink is not on my horizon. Sure...I could gobble up some sugar or pop an energy pill but then I will be back to rock bottom in a few hours. So...what are you to do when you are looking for some natural ways to boost your energy? Here are 10 things that can get you energized in no time. I am doing them all today...In no particular order!

1. Bananas - Grab a banana!!! Bananas are packed with potassium, an electrolyte that helps maintain regular nerve and muscle function. Your body doesn’t store potassium for very long so your levels can drop during times of stress or during strenuous exercise. Eating a banana will get the levels back where they should be in no time!

2. Berries - One cup of raspberries or blackberries has 8 grams of fiber. Foods containing high amounts of fiber release their sugars into your bloodstream more slowly so your energy will be sustained. No peaks and valleys! I mean c'mon...did you need a reason other than that they taste good?

3. Legumes & Beans - These are great for energy based on their protein, carbohydrate, and fiber content. The fiber keeps blood sugar and energy levels stable while the protein will slowly release the complex carbohydrates. It also helps that beans are typically not processed or refined. They are what they are!

My favorite is edamame - A cup has 17 g protein, 8 g fiber and 15 g slow-digesting carbs. Snacking on these guys is good for you and fun for kids!

4. Water - I know, I know...enough with the water....but it sounds like this stuff is good for everything! Among other things, water helps your body with vitamin and mineral absorption. Being dehydrated can cause your body to not be as effective as it should be during absorption which can lead to a lack of energy. So drink up!
For 5 Ways to get your kids (and me) to drink more water..click here!

5. Almonds - Often called a "superfood". Nuts contain CoQ10 which is a nutrient that helps our cells produce energy. The Omega 3's and 6's help deliver energy to our muscles and organs. The protein found in nuts will also provide a great source of long term energy. 

6. Chocolate - No...I don't mean in the snickers variety (Boo)! Grab a small amount of dark chocolate which is high in carbs and has a lower sugar content than the sweeter varieties. Chocolate also contains things like magnesium which has a known relaxing effect as well as fights stress and phenylethylamin which has a anti-depressant quality.

7. Carbohydrates - If anyone else has been on a low carb diet, you may know how it feels to deprive your body of carbs. The first day is okay, the second a bit better but day 3 is when my body goes boom. Once my body gets used to looking for other energy sources..I am fine but that first piece of bread sends me up like a rocket!  Just like a runner or athlete carb loads...so should you when you need an energy boost! Maybe not to the extreme of an athlete but carbohydrates are your bodies main source of energy.  Go for healthier options like oatmeal and whole grain options.

8. Sunshine - Sunlight is the best and only natural source of vitamin D. While the benefits of Vitamin D on energy levels are up and down across the medical community...Sunlight is effective against SAD, a seasonal disorder often known as the "winter blues".  Scientists are also beginning to reveal the positive effects that sunlight has on our brains, sleep cycles, and wake cycles. I do have to admit...10 minutes in a tanning bed lifts my spirits! Its like a dose of happy for me!

9. Green Tea - It has several different components that allow it to affect energy including vitamins, polyphenols, and caffeine. While these are found in all teas...green tea has a slightly higher content than the others.  With the added benefits green tea offers when dieting...I say WHY NOT!

10. Greek Yogurt - Since it's soft, your body processes yogurt more quickly than a solid food...this means quick energy. The energy effects of yogurt are also long-lasting, thanks to a good ratio of protein to carbohydrates. Protein stays in the stomach longer than carbohydrates, which translates into a steady source of energy. Greek yogurt has double the protein of traditional yogurts and usually a lower sugar content (check the labels)!

So it looks like I should start my day with a yogurt parfait: yogurt topped with fresh berries, almonds, oats, and slivers of dark chocolate and a glass of green tea followed by a jug of water! Now if I could only get the sunshine to happen...I would really be energized.

I  noticed that my new eating is probably why I haven't been energy drained in some time. I am focused on whole foods and eat more yogurt, fruits, and nuts than ever before. I also have been religiously drinking water...which is a HUGE thing for me!  Sometimes you don't realize the benefits of something until they aren't there and its a huge wakeup call and testament to what is working. I can also attest to the way my children have reacted the "new foods". I was worried that they would be a little sluggish without the extra sugars. NO WAY! They have been loaded with energy and bouncing off the walls!

What do you do when looking for a quick energy fix?