Naturally Energizing Fruits and Vegetables
When it comes to a midday pick me up, sometimes a protein bar or energy drink just doesn’t cut it. Wholesome, fresh foods that are nutrient dense and packed with vitamins keep bellies fuller for longer and help to avoid the sugar crashes that processed snacks can cause. Irritability, headaches, and anxiety can all be caused by an excess of sugar and processed ingredients, worsening fatigue. Join us at Advanced Biotech as we take a look at our favorite naturally energizing fruits and vegetables.
Banana
Relatively low in calories but rich in antioxidants, healthy carbohydrates, potassium, and b6, bananas are one of the most energizing fruits. Bananas are also low in fiber, making them easy to digest and allowing their natural sugar to quickly be absorbed by the bloodstream, giving the body a quick boost of energy. Because bananas are so easily digestible, they are best eaten along with a healthy fat like peanut butter, hazelnut spread, or with slow-releasing, complex carbs like oatmeal. Bananas are easily portable, and are also thought to ease symptoms of depression as they contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into mood-lifting serotonin.
Citrus
Citrus fruits such as orange, grapefruit, and lemons offer a boost of energy as well as many health benefits. The vitamin C in citrus fruits plays an essential role in helping the body form amino acids, the precursors to chemicals that regulate energy levels. A vitamin C deficiency can cause fatigue, and will limit the body’s ability to absorb iron, another nutrient vital to maintaining energy levels. Pairing citrus fruits with iron-rich vegetables like spinach, and healthy fats like sunflower seeds or avocado is well-balanced way to get a daily dose of energy-boosting vitamin C. Other sources include kiwi, strawberries, and bell pepper.
Sweet Potato
Complex carbs are made up of long sugar molecule chains that break down slowly, providing the body with long-term energy. Starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, squash, and pumpkin are considered complex carbohydrates, provide the body with long-lasting energy and help to reduce feelings of hunger in between meals. They also happen to be rich in other important energy nutrients such as vitamin C. A baked sweet potato topped with cinnamon, peanut butter, or even apple sauce is a sustainable and delicious snack that will keep the body going through a long workout or busy day.
Wholesome, natural foods packed with energizing vitamins and nutrients are a great alternative to processed energy bars, drinks, and even coffee or tea. They offer long-lasting energy without the crash or added preservatives.