Is there a secret to getting more energy? Just walk down your local grocery store’s beverage aisle and you’ll find endless “secret formulas” and quick fixes promising to help you power through your day with ease. The truth is, there is no quick fix for healthy all-day energy. While coffee, energy drinks, and sugary snacks feel like a pick-me-up, they usually leave us with energy crashes later on.
If you want to keep your energy up all day long – the natural way – giving your body the nutrients it needs is the real secret. Let’s take a look at some of the most powerful energy-boosting foods and how they can help you keep your energy up all day long.
Dark Leafy Greens that Boost Your Energy
Dark, leafy greens are some of nature’s most nutritious foods. These superfoods contain dozens of essential nutrients and compounds we need to thrive. Research also shows that leafy green vegetables can help stimulate the nervous system for better neurotransmitter regulation – that means improved energy levels, regulated appetites, restful sleep, and more balanced moods. Here are some of the top greens that boost your natural energy:
#1: Spinach: Classic Healthy Green
Popeye made spinach famous for its muscle-building powers. This leafy green can power your brain, too. It is packed with iron and other vitamins that help to keep your energy up and your brain sharp. The high iron content prevents iron deficiency which is a common cause of fatigue. Spinach also contains tons of antioxidants that reduce stress and preserve your energy.
#2: Kale: Digestion-Boosting Green
Like spinach, kale is packed with vitamins and minerals. It is high in iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin E. Kale contains more fiber than spinach which also helps to keep your digestion moving smoothly. That may seem unrelated to your energy levels, but a sluggish digestive system can make you feel sluggish, too. By eating kale and other high-fiber fruits and veggies, you’ll keep your digestion moving and your body refreshed.
#3: Swiss Chard: Multi-Colored Antioxidant Green
Both the green leaves and the colorful stalks of swiss chard are abundant in energy-boosting nutrients. They contain polyphenols, vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids that protect the body against free radicals. When the body has less “damage control” to do, you’ll have more energy to do the things you want to do – like exercise, enjoy time with family, or use your creativity to solve a complex problem.
#4: Collard Greens: Budget-Friendly Green
Collard greens have a similar nutrient profile to other greens. They boast high levels of vitamins A, K, B-6, and C, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. Along with improving sleep and energy, collards are also known for lowering cholesterol and protecting against chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. Where collard greens really shine is their affordability. Collard greens are one of the most budget-friendly greens, making getting a healthy dose of natural energy economical for everyone.
#5: Absolute Greens: Best All-in-One Greens
Want to get all your greens at once? Absolute Greens from Aceva makes it easy. Just blend this greens powder into your morning water or smoothie to get over 50 superfoods, including these and other powerful green veggies. In just one scoop of Absolute Greens, you’ll fuel your body with fruits, vegetables, fibers, herbs, spices, natural flavonoids, and enzymes to give your body all the green goodness it needs. The benefits of a daily dose of Absolute Greens go beyond an energy boost. You’ll also notice improved digestion, a stronger immune system, more regulated blood sugar, easier weight management, and other natural health benefits.
10 Other Foods that Naturally Boost Your Energy
While dark leafy greens get a lot of press for their health benefits, there are plenty of good-for-you foods that also support your natural energy. Next time you feel like you’re running on empty, fill up your tank with these healthy energy boosters:
1) Green tea
Green tea is one of the best alternatives to coffee. L-theanine balances the caffeine in green tea to give you an energy boost without the jitters.
2) Seaweed
Seaweeds like kelp are incredibly nutrient-dense and contain high levels of iodine. Iodine is necessary for proper thyroid function, which can help prevent fatigue and energy lows of issues like hypothyroidism.
3) Oranges
Vitamin C and other compounds in oranges fight oxidative damage, reduce fatigue, and even boost your performance in athletics or cognitive tasks.
4) Seeds
Seeds are a great snack when you need to boost your energy on the go. They contain energy-boosting protein and omega-3 fatty acids that fight inflammation and fatigue.
5) Edamame
Edamame is an excellent energy-boosting snack with a healthy balance of sugar, protein, and fat. These beans also contain folic acid and manganese, which both help to increase natural energy.
6) Apples
Apples contain natural sugars that boost energy. Because of their high fiber content, these natural sugars are released slowly and regularly to give you a natural energy boost without the crash.
7) Eggs
Eggs are a good source of protein, and they also contain B vitamins and leucine, an amino acid that is necessary for energy production.
8) Quinoa
Quinoa has a low glycemic index, which offers a slow release of carbs to sustain your energy throughout the day.
9) Fatty fish
The B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish (like salmon) help to protect against energy-robbing inflammation.
10) Bananas
Bananas are high in vitamin B6, which is a key vitamin for energy production.
Boost Your Energy Naturally with Greens and a Healthy Diet
Who needs chemical-laden energy drinks when you have delicious dark leafy greens to keep you moving?! Fill up on these healthy foods instead, and see what a difference it can make in your daily energy levels.
Remember if you’re tight on time or simply want to get all the benefits that dark leafy greens and other superfoods have to offer, Aceva’s Absolute Greens is your simple solution. You won’t have to worry whether or not you’re giving your body what it needs to thrive each day – your healthy diet foundation is all there in one scoop!
For more help with restoring your natural energy with nutrition, reach out to AlignLife today!
