Energy Boosting Foods

Low energy levels happen to the best of us!

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we just feel low energy. This may be due to health conditions, nutrient deficiencies, metabolism, stress, lack of sleep, time of year, just feeling blah, or any number of other factors.
 
Oh, and how about that menopause thing?
 
For those of us currently going through menopause, or having recently gone through menopause, we know how drained and exhausted we can feel for no apparent reason.
 
The good news is low energy is an issue that can be addressed in a myriad of ways! One of the main ways to start feeling more energetic in our busy, day to day lives is integrating more foods that increase energy into our diets!
 
To get us thinking about how to do just that, this blog post will talk about four different food categories that will help us feel more energized when we integrate them into our diet.  

Avoid Processed Foods

As a busy wife/mom, it’s often tempting for us to buy processed foods laden with preservatives because they’ve been marketed to us as quick and easy meals. Unfortunately, they are laden with lots of empty calories and other yucky chemicals, which definitely don’t help us get the energy boost we need!

Aim to avoid overly processed foods that contain artificial flavours, colours and preservatives. I call these foods  "food like substances." My motto is: if I can't find it in my great grandma's kitchen it likely not real food.

Be sure to look for foods that are fresh and “real” and not manufactured. Choose foods with the least amount of ingredients.

Pro Tip: Shop for foods around the perimeter of the grocery store, rather than down the aisles. They keep fresh, healthy foods on the outside of the store.

Whole Foods

​When stressed and on a tight schedule, many people understandably shy away from whole foods such as grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes due to misconceptions that they take more time and effort to prepare satisfying meals with. The key, however, is familiarizing yourself with easy recipes that will help you integrate whole foods into your diet, such as The Quinoa and Berries Smoothie Bowl listed at the end of this post!
 
Whole foods are vital to boosting energy as they have not been processed! This means they contain vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, fiber and other naturally occurring nutrients that our bodies recognize, absorb and utilize. Wholefoods energize the body!

Quality Animal Protein

​Animal protein energizes and fills us up! Eat organic, grass-fed, wild and free-range when possible.  Animal protein contains iron which boosts energy and help to keep blood sugars steady.  When blood sugar is balanced throughout the day we can avoid the spikes and crashes in blood sugar that often leave us feeling exhausted.  Always focus on the highest quality foods that you can find. Local and organic are ideal.

In a previous post, I talked all about the importance of protein and how it helps you lose weight faster. Click here to check it out.

Superfoods

Superfoods are called superfoods for a reason! They are individual foods (for example blueberries, cinnamon, sweet potatoes and salmon) with tons of nutrients, giving us yummy, easy ways to energize ourselves. Leafy greens as well as many fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds are considered superfoods. 

Sea Plants

Believe it or not, there are many edible sea plants out there, such as green algae and seaweed, which are powerful sources of nutrition and energy! As an added benefit, eating seaweed as a snack is also a great way to satisfy salt cravings.  

​(You can also get these in powder form to add to smoothies... such as the Quinoa & Berries Smoothie Bowl I talk about below).

Recipe Time!

One of my most loved blog posts was the one about how to build your own Simple Swaps Smoothies. 

Smoothies, when built out of whole foods and lots of protein, pack a mean health punch to power you through your days, while helping you achieve your weight loss goals.

To finish off this post on energy boosting foods, I'll leave you with one of my favourite smoothie bowl recipes for just this purpose.

Let me know how you enjoy it!

Quinoa & Berries Smoothie Bowl

Recipe: Quinoa & Berries Smoothie Bowl
 
Serves 4
 
Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup cooked quinoa
• 4 chopped figs 
• 1/2 cup dried goji berries
• 1/2  chopped walnuts
• 2 tbsp hemp hearts
• 4 tbsp coconut flakes
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

 
Directions:

• Into each serving bowl, evenly divide and spoon in the yogurt, chopped figs and goji berries.  Sprinkle the cooked quinoa, chopped walnuts and hemp hearts over the top. Garnish with coconut flakes. Drizzle the maple syrup over the fruit, yogurt and toppings.
• Serve & enjoy! 

Simple Wins:

"I am feeling great! I am very happy with my results so far!  I have a lot more energy and have not been hungry or craving anything!"

- Simple Swaps Member Jerri. 

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Want Help With Effective Meal Planning?

If you still feel like you need more help planning meals to feel more energized, I am here to help!
 
Meal planning should be easy and effective, not draining! I created the Simple Swags Guide to Meal Planning & Prepping to help give you some simple tips and tricks. This guide was created to offer my best suggestions to help you make small changes that will have a big impact on overall health.
 
Click on the button below the access this free guide. 

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