Natural Energy Boosters Slideshow
B Vitamins: Meat, Eggs, and Dairy
Some B vitamins are necessary to convert glucose into energy inside the cells. If levels of these vitamins are low, your body won't be able to convert food into energy fast enough to keep up with your needs and will cause you to feel tired. In order to make sure you're getting in enough B vitamins to keep the energy flowing, eat a wide variety of whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy, and beans.
Though the best sources of B vitamins are meat, eggs, and dairy, B vitamins are also found in whole grains, potatoes, bananas, lentils, chile peppers, tempeh, and beans.
Tyronsine: Sardines, Soy Products, and More
Tyrosine acts as a building block for several mood/energy-related neurotransmitters such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. (If dopamine and norepinephrine levels drop, you're more likely to be irritable and moody.)
High-protein foods are the best sources of tyrosine, such as soy products, nuts, cheese, lean meats and yogurt) and a really fantastic source is, of all things, the lowly sardine.
Beets
Beets are great in terms of delivering lots of vitamins, mostly folate, manganese, and potassium. They are full of cancer-fighting antioxidants and contain two powerful carotenoids: lutein and zeaxanthin.
They also have lots of fiber, which is helpful to regulate blood sugar levels. All fresh fruits and vegetables will add fiber to your diet and should be included on the high-fiber, steady blood sugar list of foods to eat.
Beets
Beets are great in terms of delivering lots of vitamins, mostly folate, manganese, and potassium. They are full of cancer-fighting antioxidants and contain two powerful carotenoids: lutein and zeaxanthin.
They also have lots of fiber, which is helpful to regulate blood sugar levels. All fresh fruits and vegetables will add fiber to your diet and should be included on the high-fiber, steady blood sugar list of foods to eat.
Flax
Flax offers many benefits in the form of vitamins and minerals, including an especially high content of omega-3s, which are thought to improve cognitive performance, including mental alertness. The seeds also contain a high proportion of fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar and thus energy levels.
An omega-3 fat called DHA makes up 60% of the gray matter of the brain. Omega-3s are so important to brain development that they are now added to baby formula. Flaxseeds are best ground fresh and used immediately. You can bake with them in place of oil in a recipe. Other great sources of omega-3 fats are fish and nuts.
Cayenne and Other Spicy Peppers
Eating spicy food will wake you up. It also provides some vitamin C and carotenoids. Other spices that provide a kick include ginger and cinnamon.
Nuts and Seeds
They provide great fiber, protein, and are high in healthy fats that are essential to brain function.
Beans
Beans of all kind provide great protein and fiber and contribute to steady blood sugar levels.
Last Words of Advice: Eat frequent, small meals. This provides a constant flow of energy to your brain and muscles.