The best food for EXTRA energy

Recharge your energy levels this year with these essential five-star superfoods.

It’s that time of year, well into January, when you return to the

Swing business, family and exciting projects for your next year. Is when you

you want to feel focused and energetic. Choosing to eat foods that give you energy

increase nutrients, without accumulating calories, will specifically overload

your energy levels for a fitter and more productive 2008.

Here’s the rundown of the top six foods for EXTRA energy and helpful tips on how to incorporate them into your daily diet.

Also, at the end of the article you will find some additional tips to beat fatigue.

The five-star energy superfoods

Almonds

Eating almonds as a snack when you feel an energy drop will increase your energy levels. They

contain good amounts of iron and some B vitamins, which help your brain, nerves and muscles to

work properly. It is important to combine almonds with a source of vitamin C, so that the

The body can absorb these nutrients as vitamin C helps the absorption process of iron and

vitamin B. Eating almonds with a piece of fruit will ensure your body and get the benefits.

How to eat more: Add to breakfast cereals, porridge, or breadcrumb toppings. Alternatively sandwich

in a small package with an apple.

Apricots

Since apricots contain vitamin C and iron, this super snack means that your body will absorb iron.

essential to overcome fatigue and recover from exercise. Iron will also help improve

performance and lift your mood.

How to eat more: Fresh apricots are the best, but you can also try dried apricots mid-morning.

or snack in the afternoon. Also, to enhance the flavor of your cereal or porridge, add a little

chopped.

Broccoli

Since broccoli is also rich in iron, if you are anemic or fatigued

for an essential addition to your diet. There is also evidence of

research conducted at the U.S. National Cancer Institute that

consuming broccoli will help protect against cancer. Antioxidants

It contains helps to inhibit the activation of cancer cells in the body.

How to eat more: Better steamed, add three tablespoons to your

dinner or add to the stir-fries. Also try raw broccoli stalks at

salad.

Spinach

If you’ve ever seen Popeye, you know what happens when he gets his fix of spinach. He ends

with a big burst of energy and his muscles stand out. Now eating spinach will not ensure the bulge.

muscles (so fear not if you are a woman!) However, this meal will give you a spark of

Energy. It’s packed with vitamins, nutrients, and iron, but it also contains an enzyme known as a coenzyme.

10 for energy production.

How to eat more: Add raw to salads, add to tortilla dishes, or add to mashed potatoes.

A delicious accompaniment to any fish or meat dish.

Oatmeal

Eating oatmeal or porridge will do wonders for your energy levels. Oatmeal contains fiber to make you feel

sustained energy throughout the day, rather than energy spikes and dips that can make you feel tired and

often hungrier. As porridge is a meal in its own right, it has the advantage of being able to top

with fruits, nuts, and berries for added flavor and energy-enhancing foods.

How to eat more: Eat for breakfast as a porridge or add the flakes to the toppings of the crumbs.

or use it to make your own granola or muesli.

Salmon, tuna or sardines

Wild salmon, tuna, or sardines are rich sources of omega-3 fats.

acids, which improve your mood, defeat stress and play a crucial role in

brain development and concentration. If you have an important

knowing or interviewing these foods will help you stay focused and

energized in everything.

How to eat more: Canned fish is a convenient option to eat with

salads or topped with a slice of whole wheat bread. Sardines make a good energizing weekend too.

brunch ‘with toast and a glass of juice.

How to beat fatigue

When you wake up, drink a pint of water.

Your brain is 70% water, so by drinking water you ensure that your brain’s water levels are not

Exhausted. This is vital for the proper functioning of memory. Dehydrated brains work more slowly and are

known to release the stress hormone cortisol, in response to the body’s feeling of stress from a lack of

Water. Also, in the long term, excessive production of cortisol by your body can cause you to become

by weight.

Eat regularly and eat properly.

First chew the food in your mouth so that it is covered in saliva before it reaches the stomach. This

way your body benefits most from the proper digestion of nutrients from food.

Have breakfast

A small meal will keep you from soaking in mid-morning energy and looking for a quick ‘high’

which will make you feel worse later in the day, like coffee or sugary snacks.

Avoid eating right before exercising

Overloads the body to digest food and produce the natural adrenaline it releases in response to

exercise. You will find that you will feel sluggish during your workout and will not perform at your best.

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