6 Energy Boosting Foods to Keep You Well Through Your Workday
We’re kicking it off here at Sprout by filling our kitchen with lots of healthy, energy-boosting foods that help us power through our workday. Take a peek into our cupboards to see the 6 foods we’re eating and why!
Almonds — First, make sure they’re raw and unsalted and then help yourself to a handful when you hit your mid-afternoon slump. They’re an excellent source of healthy fats and the mineral Magnesium, which is one of the key ingredients your cells use to produce energy.
Dark Chocolate — Before you use this post to go on a full on chocolate bar binge, make sure you’re eating at least 70% dark chocolate. It’s a great source of iron and magnesium and can perk you up more than a cup of coffee!
Bananas — Bananas are chock full of potassium and B vitamins. Additionally, they slow down digestion and release their energy slowly so they keep you full for longer & stabilize your blood sugar levels. “Why?” you ask? Because they have a perfect balance of three kinds of sugar: fructose, glucose and sucrose so they give you a fast energy boost that lasts. In fact, a recent study showed that bananas aided athletic performance just as well, if not better, than a sports drink.
Greek Yogurt — The perfect storm of protein, carbs and fat in Greek yogurt will give you a slow burn of energy to start (or finish) your day out strong. Plus the probiotics in the yogurt will help with digestion & boost your immune system, which improves energy levels!
Citrus Fruit — Another friend of your immune system! Chock full of vitamin C, these delicious fruits are not only zingy and delicious but contain natural, slow burning sugars to keep you alert. Bonus: they’re in season during the winter!
Water — Ok, you got us. Water is not a food, but dehydration is probably the main reason you’re feeling sluggish during your workday. Water is the most vital source of energy your body has and when you don’t get enough of it the enzymatic activity in your body slows down, resulting in fatigue. Not sure how much to drink? Suggested amounts can vary depending on exercise, environment, biology and a whole slew of other things but shoot for around 2.7 liters for women and 3.7 for men.
Brea Giffin is a member of the Sprout Business Development and Inbound Marketing team. She is a graduate of the Centennial College Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion program and also possesses a diploma in Holistic Nutrition and a Degree in Neuroscience from Dalhousie University. She is a self-proclaimed fish and enjoys water sports and being outdoors. She’ll split a salad with you anytime!
