Plant-Based Foods That Will Give You An Energy Boost
One of the most effective and healthy ways of fueling your body and gaining energy is to eat a nutritious, balanced diet. There are a lot of tempting and expensive products on the market that promise to give you an energy boost, but I can assure you there’s nothing more simple and cost-effective than nourishing yourself with plants! It gets the job done, and keeps your body strong in the long run.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole grain, just like oats and quinoa. A whole grain simply means that the food item contains the entire 3 parts of the grain, meaning that it holds all of the nutrients and therefore isn’t processed. Brown rice is a highly nutritious food predominantly because it’s a whole grain. It’s also low in calories yet high in fiber, meaning that you’ll feel fuller for longer and have energy for longer.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are also high in fiber and are therefore great for boosting energy levels. If you aren’t a huge fan of sweet potatoes, I would recommend cutting them into fries and roasting them in olive oil and seasoning - it tastes just as good as normal fries!
Apples
Apples are quite an underappreciated food when it comes to energy. Yet many experts believe that they give you just as much energy as coffee because they’re packed with natural sugars that are sure to wake you up in the morning. Apples are also rich in carbohydrates, the main source of energy in our diets! A medium-sized apple contains about 25 grams of carbohydrates and 95 calories.
Oatmeal
There is no better breakfast for starting off a busy day than oatmeal. It’s one of the healthiest whole grains out there as it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and is high in fiber. Oats are also naturally rich in vitamins and minerals that help with your energy levels, such as iron and B vitamins.
Beans
Of course, there are tonnes of varieties of beans, but they’re all fairly similar in their nutritional profile. They tend to be rich in carbs, fiber, and protein, making beans a perfect substitute for animal products, too. They’re also high in iron, a nutrient which keeps your body healthy and full of energy. Did you know that iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the USA?
Berries
Berries are a great go-to when you’re craving something sweet, but don’t want to experience a sugar crash like when you eat processed stuff like chocolate! Not only do berries satiate a sweet tooth, but they’re also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re high in fiber too!
Top Tips:
Eat at least 5 fruit and veg per day
Don’t skip breakfast
Drink at least 2 litres of water
Cut down on sugar
Avoid too much caffeine