We’ve all hit that mid-afternoon slump; that part of the day a couple of hours after lunch when you feel like curling up and taking a nap instead of finishing out the workday. You shouldn’t have to deal with that day in and day out, but it is a normal part of life and work for a lot of people. To overcome that, you might turn to coffee or a sugary snack for a little pick-me-up, but those only give you a short burst of energy and are often followed by an even stronger slump after it wears off. So instead, how about adding in some of these amazing, energy boosting foods to keep you sustained throughout the day.
(Always check the nutritional data for any new food before adding it to your diet to make sure it works with your personalized nutritional needs.)
Bananas
An excellent source of complex carbs, potassium, and vitamin B6, bananas act to give you a quick burst of energy and the fiber can help you stay fuller longer.
Nuts
Full of protein, carbs, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews can give you a steady and sustained energy boost.
Popcorn
This whole-grain snack is packed with fiber which helps prevent blood-sugar crashes. This means you can use the energy from the carbohydrates and maintain it for longer periods of time.
Salmon
This fish is full of omega-3 fatty acids that are perfect for brain health, keeping you focused and alert all day.
Hummus
Complex carbs, fiber, and healthy fats make this tasty snack a great source of steady, sustained energy.
Sweet Potatoes
High in fiber and complex carbs, sweet potatoes provide a long-lasting, steady supply of energy.
Apples
With the combination of natural sugars and fibers, apples can provide a slow, sustained energy release.
Yogurt
Simple sugars in yogurt can give you a quick burst of energy, while the protein load can keep that energy sustained for long periods.
Oatmeal
The combination of vitamins and minerals with soluble fiber makes oatmeal a perfect food for sustained energy.
Leafy Greens
Iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, as well as vitamins A, C, E, and K all make greens like spinach and kale amazing fatigue fighters.
We can all use a bit more energy now and then, and adding in some of these amazing energy-boosting foods is a great place to start. Whether it’s a salmon and spinach salad for lunch or an afternoon snack of popcorn or yogurt, try adding some of these in and see how much better you feel throughout the day.