Foods to Energize You

If you feel exhausted, it could be because you're not eating properly or your body is lacking certain nutrients. That's why we're telling you which foods can help you maintain enough energy without the need for pills. 1. Leafy Greens Most of these vegetables, such as spinach or lettuce, are made up of folate, a natural antidepressant that can counteract low mood. 2. Whole Grain Cereals Like whole wheat bread, which helps keep your sugar levels balanced, as your body absorbs grains more slowly compared to sweet bread that causes sugar spikes and that heavy feeling afterward. Read: Make these peanut butter bagels in 5 minutes 3. Hazelnuts Like almonds and cashews, these nuts contain magnesium, which converts sugar into energy. 4. Coffee and Tea Caffeine gives a big boost to your concentration and alertness, although its effect doesn’t last long. Ideally, drink them without sugar and don’t accompany them with something sweet. Read: Use your hazelnuts to make your own Nutella 5. Oats It's one of the cereals that can provide you with the most fiber, especially soluble fiber, which is absorbed slowly, keeping your sugar levels more stable and preventing what is known as 'energy crashes'. It’s an excellent option to start your day! 6. Fresh Fruits Think of those that are packed with water, like cucumber, apple, watermelon, as dehydration has been shown to slow down metabolism and therefore generate less energy. Read: Enjoy this German-style oatmeal recipe for breakfast 7. Dark Chocolate For it to really take effect, it should be pure dark chocolate with no milk or other ingredients. It also contains caffeine and theobromine, a natural stimulant. 8. Lean Meats Turkey, for example, raises levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which can make your brain more alert and focused. Read: Savor this turkey wrap 9. Frozen Products If they have no added ingredients, they can retain their nutrients and have the same effect as fresh foods you get at the market. 10. Energy Bars Not all of them live up to their promises. Check the label; it should list the natural ingredients used to make them. Essentially, it should be like a cooking recipe that you can prepare yourself. Read: Cook these delicious nut and oat bars