Feeling Blah? Try These 4 Foods for More Energy
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Do you find yourself reaching for just one more cup of coffee to get through the day? Are you tired of being tired? Instead of relying on stimulants like coffee or sugar for energy, thrive by eating more foods that give you energy through nourishment. Here are 4 foods that can help boost your energy levels.
1. Hemp Seeds
A complete protein, rich in fiber and omega-3s, hemp is a great low-glycemic addition to any diet. The glycemic index (GI) is a measurement of how fast the carbohydrates in food are broken down into glucose and how much it will affect your blood sugar. Fiber, fat and protein all lower the GI of a food, which is why hemp seeds (along with nuts, seeds, whole grains and legumes) are low-glycemic. Look for cold-pressed hemp seed oil for salad dressing, hemp protein for smoothies and hemp seeds to toss onto salads and smoothies.
Related: 14 Protein-Packed Breakfasts
2. Soaked Almonds
Raw almonds are nutrient dense, and soaking them unlocks higher nutrition potential. Soaking increases vitamin levels and removes the enzyme inhibitors that slow down digestion. I soak my almonds in water overnight (at least eight hours) and then dehydrate them.
3. Quinoa
This fluffy pseudograin is 20-percent protein, making it a balanced source of carbohydrates. It’s gluten-free and rich in B vitamins, which help convert carbohydrates into energy in your body. Even if you feel like you’re too busy to make homemade meals, quinoa is a fast food that cooks in less than 15 minutes.
4. Green Tea
Caffeine from green tea feels steadier and less jittery than the spike and crash with caffeine from coffee. This is likely because green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea that helps promote relaxation.
The original article “8 Foods to Boost Your Energy" appeared on LIVESTRONG.COM.
By Brendan Brazier
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