If you are like most people, coffee is the first thing you turn to when you need a mental or physical boost. However, coffee is problematic in a number of regards. For one, coffee is acidic. Coffee stains the teeth and wears away at finite tooth enamel. Furthermore, coffee makes breath smell funky. Then there’s the inescapable crash following coffee’s caffeine rush.
Put down the coffee, try one of the healthy mind and body-boosters detailed below and you will enjoy a jolt that doesn’t compromise your oral health or force you to ride an energy roller coaster.
Watermelon
Watermelon might not seem important in the context of nutrition, energy and health yet it is quite helpful. This lovely pink fruit is loaded with B vitamins. Furthermore, watermelon features the important electrolyte potassium commonly found in top sports drinks.
If you are looking to maintain your energy or prevent an energy dip, eat a couple slices of watermelon and you will feel fantastic. You can maximize watermelon’s nutritional impact by combining it with a salad.
Avocados
Avocados cost a pretty penny but they are worth it. If you feel sluggish, pick up a couple ripe avocados, make some guacamole and enjoy a delicious pick-me-up. Avocados taste like heaven yet they also serve as potent energy-boosters. Avocados have B vitamins trainers recommend for use prior to workouts. These vitamins spike energy in an all-natural manner.
If you aren’t a fan of guacamole or Mexican food, mix some avocado into your smoothies, eggs, salad or crackers for a healthy boost.
Nuts
Nuts and seeds have some fat yet they are fantastic for human health. In particular, almonds are especially nutritious and energizing. If you don’t like the taste of plain almonds, eat them with dark chocolate. Bypass the coffee, have some pieces of dark chocolate with almonds and you really will feel energized. The best part is almonds and other nuts do not cause the jitters like coffee and other caffeinated drinks. Nuts are loaded with proteins and healthy fat that keep blood sugar levels even and help you make it through the day without any extended lulls.
Beans
Beans get a bad rap as they cause flatulence and sometimes require soaking 24 hours prior to cooking. However, beans are incredibly healthy. Furthermore, beans improve energy levels. If you feel sluggish, whip up some beans on the stove, dig in and you will feel replenished in little time.
Beans have the “good” fat, considerable protein and promote digestion. Beans are low glycemic, meaning they will automatically stabilize your energy level. If you don’t like the taste of beans, eat some hummus with tortilla chips or crackers. Beans also taste fantastic when mixed into burritos. You can also sprinkle a few black beans or kidney beans in your salads for a pick-me-up.
Oranges and Other Fruits with Vitamin C
Oranges are one of the tastier fruits if consumed when fresh and grown without the use of pesticides. Peel one as soon as you being to feel sluggish and you will feel refreshed right away. Oranges do more than please the palate; this fruit is chock full of vitamin C that helps promote the movement of oxygen throughout the body and keep you awake.
If you get tired of plain oranges, juice your oranges for a glass of late night orange juice or sprinkle a bit of chili on your orange slices for an added kick.
Blueberries
Most people know blueberries are a super food. This fruit is rife with important vitamins and minerals. Blueberries are fantastic for the body including the skin. Blueberries also help increase awareness and energy as they are full of antioxidants. These antioxidants help the neural pathways function with the utmost efficiency. If you are feeling fatigued or even just a bit sluggish, pop a handful of blueberries and it won’t be long until you are alert. Blueberries typically don’t taste their best when first purchased. Gives your blueberries some time to ripen and sweeten.
If you grow tired of the taste of plain blueberries, mix them into your cereal, oatmeal or even a smoothie for a different texture and flavor that proves that much more appealing.
Dark Chocolate
We saved the best for last! Dark chocolate has caffeine and antioxidants that boost awareness and promote health. Do not fall into the trap of indulging in regular milk chocolate that is comparably unhealthy. Enjoy a few pieces of body and mind-boosting dark chocolate when your energy levels dip and it won’t be long until you feel like your normal self.
