Foods you can eat for an energy booster

If you’re someone who finds it hard to get going in the morning, or you suffer with an afternoon slump, you may well be looking for information about foods you can eat that boost your energy levels. As tempting as it is to reach for a high sugar energy drink, you probably already know that these aren’t particularly good for you.

Sugary drinks either contains chemicals or too much sugar, and sometimes both. Any benefit you receive will be short-lived. There are healthier sources of energy that are far better for you.

Here’s our list of great foods that will boost your energy

Yogurt. Yoghurt is a wonderful source of high-quality protein that will fill you up and provide energy to your brain. Add it to other foods we’re including on this list for a super energy boost. Yoghurt is versatile as you can have some for breakfast, a snack or as a dessert.

Fruit. It’s no surprise that fruit makes this list, is it? Fruits such as apples, which have a high level of vitamins and minerals, release energy quickly. Oranges contain high levels of vitamin C, and this makes you less tired for up to two hours after intake. One of the cheapest foods for an instant pick-me-up is the ever-popular banana. Bananas contain glucose which provides a great energy boost. For a post lunch slump, try and nibble on blueberries. They are low in sugar, but high in fibre, a powerful combination to keep your body thrumming with energy.

Nuts and seeds. Most nuts, including almonds, hazelnuts and cashews are packed full of nutrients, fibre and healthy fats, and they are an excellent source of protein, helping to sustain energy levels. They're easy to take wherever you go, so grab a bag and snack on the go! Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein, healthy fats and fibre, and will keep you feeling full and energized longer. They contain manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, all of which provide additional energy support. Add them to salads or eat them on their own and they’ll perk you up in no time.

Trail Mix. Trail mix is a combination of nuts, seeds, and dried food and is perfect for you if you find fatigue strikes while you’re on the move. The fat in the nuts and seeds is a great source for long-lasting energy, while the high fibre content in the mix slows down the release of glucose. You only need a handful or two per day, as trail mix is high in calories.

Pulses. Quinoa is packed with protein and is rich in amino acids, high in folate, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese. It is the perfect nutrient-packed source of carbohydrates for long-lasting energy levels. Add it to herbs, with chicken and tomatoes and it is delicious as a lunch or dinner. Meanwhile lentils are high in fibre content which helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, keeping you energized all day.

Fish. Tuna fish contains protein, and Vitamin B and is a great source of energy. Wild Salmon is a great muscle builder and a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, to help maintain high energy levels.

Lean Beef. Beef is high in protein and amino acids and helps to sustain your energy levels and keep you feeling fuller longer. Serve it with vegetables and you’ve got yourself a wonderfully balanced dinner.

Water. Being dehydrated is a common cause of lack of energy or feelings of hunger. The next time you feel particularly sluggish, drink a glass of water and see whether this gives you a quick energy boost. In addition, try adding lemon to your water. Lemon transforms water into a natural energy drink, packed with electrolytes, which are critical for cells to produce energy.

Beans. If you want to feel full of beans, perhaps you need to be full of beans! Beans keep you feeling full and satisfied, and prevent you from feeling lethargic by midday. The protein found in beans will regulate blood sugar levels, keeping them steady. Beans are a complex carbohydrate and therefore provides energy for the brain and body.

Eggs. Perfect for breakfast, eggs provide high-quality protein and heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids that help you to stay energized.

Whole Grain Cereal. Another breakfast classic, whole grain cereal is high in fibre, and allows for the slow release of glucose into the bloodstream, meaning you’ll feel more energetic for longer.

Dark Chocolate. It’s official. Research from the Northern Arizona University in the USA, found that with 60 percent cacao increased alertness and attentiveness. Dark chocolate contains the natural stimulant theobromine, similar to caffeine, which boosts your energy and your mood. A small piece is enough to keep you going but remember, don’t overdo it.

Regulate your energy

In addition to a healthy balanced diet containing food from all of the main food groups (fruit and vegetables, carbs and starches, dairy and beans and pulses etc.) it is important to eat at regular intervals. Eat three or four small meal a day and limit snacks between meals.

Other articles

A new year, a new me

It’s such a positive thing to do and hope springs eternal, so why not commit yourself to a change this year? Here’s our tips on how to stick to your new year’s resolutions.

10 Tips to get the best out of every day

When we’re stuck in a bit of a rut, the days and nights slip past so quickly that we barely notice them. But life is not a rehearsal!

Are you resilient enough? Take our quiz!

Do you have enough resilience to face the world out there? Take our quiz to find out how resilient you are and find tips on how to build your mental resilience.

Why you're not the best

What are your aims in life? Do you plan to be rich, to be a top footballer, to be a good parent, or to become Prime Minister? However efficiently you plan your life, sooner or later you are going to come up against obstacles to achieving your goals.

What makes it so hard to go back to school?

Going back to school during a pandemic is a new experience for everyone, and it's understandable if children are feeling anxious about it. We take a look at some of the issues and how you can help your child to get ready for returning to the classroom.

Mistakes as a Parent

Can we learn from our mistakes and develop a stronger, healthier emotional bondwith our kids? To help you identify your weak spots, we’ve rounded up some of the most common mistakes parents make.

How to prove your value

Feel like everyone takes you for granted? Whether it's working late to prepare a presentation or cooking a special birthday meal for your partner, it's nice to be appreciated when you've made an extra effort. And if it seems as if people don't notice, you might feel as if no one values you.

Live Forever: the Habits of People Who Live a Long, Healthy Life

Legends of immortality have been told and retold throughout history. From ancient Greek myths to modern movies and novels, the dream of eternal youth has been passed down from generation to generation.

What can you do if your kid doesn't want to go back to school?

What can you do if your kid doesn't want to go back to school? Here are our hints and tips to help if your child is expressing a refusal to go to school.

Do you 'Musturbate' too much?

Do you suffer from a disorder known as "musturbation"? This term was first coined in the 1950s by psychotherapist Albert Ellis and described the way a negative inner voice rules our minds and bludgeons us with words such as "must", "should", and "ought".