I don’t know about you but I’m consistently looking for ways to improve my sleep, fight fatigue and boost energy. According to the CDC there are likely 50-70 million other Americans that are doing the same. That’s because many Americans have some form of sleep disorder from insomnia, to disturbed sleep, sleep walking or even sleep talking.
And then of course there’s the food many of us choose to eat which oftentimes does nothing to improve our health or provide any fuel or real nutrition.
With so many of us sleep deprived and nutritionally deficient there’s no doubt we can use all the tools we can find to help us fight fatigue and boost energy. Here are seven foods proven to be invaluable in doing just that.
- Sweet Potato – Not only delicious but also a powerhouse of nutrition, sweet potatoes are full of healthy fiber which can help you stay fuller longer, but also manganese, an essential mineral which can help to promote healthy blood sugar levels. And also vitamin A, an important antioxidant that has proven to be helpful in fighting certain types of cancer. Vitamin B6 is also present and helps to improve blood flow.
- Almonds – The President of the United States is known to eat exactly seven almonds every night. He must know almonds great antioxidant power as well as it’s uncanny ability to help lower cholesterol. Almonds are high in calories but 1/4 cup provides as much as 5 grams of fiber. Fiber is good for healthy blood sugar levels and cholesterol which in turn helps support healthy blood flow. Healthy blood flow equals more energy.
- Beets – One of my favorite vegetables, especially in smoothies. Athletes are known to consume beets to help them with stamina. Beets also fight inflammation which science now believes is the cause of all disease. Beets protect cells from environmental stress, and research has shown beets to be effective in fighting against tumors. If there’s one vegetable to add to your table folks, this would be it.
- Melons – Sweet and tasty and 90% water – you can’t beat that. Melons are a fantastic way to help keep the body hydrated as well as a much healthier alternative to pastries, cookies, and candy to satisfy your sweet tooth. Not only are they low in calories but they’re full of fiber which will help to keep you fuller longer. Packed with vitamin C and A both of which are essential in boosting energy as well as immunity.
- Green Powder – What the hell is green powder you say? Well if you’re looking to skyrocket your energy then this is your go-to solution. Made from the concentration of edible greens like spinach, kale, chard, or edible marine plants or algae like spirulina or chlorella, these powders, also called “supergreens”, pack the solution to not only fighting fatigue and brain fog, but help to boost energy and even weight loss. Packed with fiber, a vast array of vitamins and minerals, enzymes, and proteins, quality green powders or supergreens have been referred to as a “multivitamin on steroids”.
- Icelandic Yogurt – Yeah, it’s a thing. Icelandic yogurt also known as skyr is part of Icelandic fare from as far back as the Vikings. A six ounce container contains as much as 17 grams of protein. That’s huge! We all know protein helps us to feel fuller longer, so not only is it good for boosting energy, it can facilitate healthy weight loss. Icelandic yogurt supports a healthy gut because of the heavy dose of probiotics it has. A healthy gut leads to a healthy life that’s full of energy and clarity. Seriously.
- Coconut Oil – This is a staple in my smoothies and adds a slight sweet taste without the use of sugar. According to Dr. Joshua Axe, there are more than 1500 studies touting coconut oil as one of the “healthiest foods on the planet”. The medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) is what makes this super food so super. These MCFA’s are antimicrobial and antifungal and are processed by the liver which means they are “immediately” converted to energy and not stored as fat. Coconut oil has been shown to help combat Alzheimer’s Disease, prevent high blood pressure and heart disease, reduce inflammation, boost immunity, improve memory and brain function, as well as boost energy and endurance.
Try one or even all of these seven foods and give it about two weeks of consistent use before you begin to see change. Remember consistency is key. Expect less fatigue, more energy, less brain fog and even possibly a few less inches around your waist.
Until next time here’s to less fatigue and more energy!
