How to Get the Most Energy From Everyday Foods

Are you looking for everyday foods to give you the energy boost your really need? Well, all you have to do is go to your local grocery store and pick out these 10 items - it’s as simple as that.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Almonds: Raw whole almonds are a wonderful snack as well as an energizing boost. Even Edgar Cayce, the father of holistic medicine, recommended almonds for their ability to reduce colon cancer. In addition to helping the body, almonds are considered to have brain boosting affects as well. And did you know that the almond blossom was the model for the Jewish menorah?
2. Beans: Folklore has it that planting beans on Good Friday was thought to bring good luck. Beans are high in protein and low in fat, and are more easily digested when mixed with a whole grain like brown rice. This will enable the slow steady release of energy.
3. Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and even blackberries are all wonderful sources of antioxidants and vitamin C. They can be eaten in a variety of ways: with your morning cereal, as a yogurt topping, on their own as a dessert, or in a smoothie.
4. Brown Rice: Brown rice has a nutty texture and taste due to its hulled nature, which simply means the husk has been removed. Brown rice is also high in magnesium and fiber, and can also help lower cholesterol. Surprisingly, brown rice used to be associated with poverty in Asia, and in the past it was rarely eaten except as a cure for constipation.
5. Oatmeal: Coarsely ground, crushed or rolled oats are what make oatmeal but it is also referred to as porridge. Oatmeal is used not just for food but also in cosmetics, soaps and even alcohol. Oats consumed daily have been proven to reduce cholesterol and the beta -glucan in the oats can even help reduce heart disease. Oatmeal contains complex carbohydrates and fiber which will help digestion in addition to providing a steady release of glucose (energy.)
6. Oranges: We all know to eat oranges when we have a cold due to their vitamin C content, but you might not know that they also contain soluble fiber which helps reduce blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy body weight. A good gardening tip is to use orange peels to get rid of slugs.
7. Peppers: Both Jalapeno and sweet peppers – which are members of the Capsaicin family- are not only low in calories but also contain vitamins A, C, and E. When consumed, they trigger the brain to release endorphins so you can get that natural runner’s high. Chili peppers are also thought to increase the metabolism.
8. Salmon: This coral colored fish is high in protein and Vitamin D, and is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. It can reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood lipid levels, and even ease symptoms of arthritis.
9. Spinach: Surprisingly spinach is high in calcium, vitamins A, C, E and K, and magnesium. This leafy green also contains folic acid. Popeye made this vegetable popular because of the myth that spinach is high in iron but unfortunately it is not. It was a mistake made by Dr E. Von Wolf in the late 19th century when he misplaced a decimal in his publication about the nutritional value of spinach.
10. Sweet Potatoes: Not only are they rich in complex carbohydrates, but sweet potatoes are also high in fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin B6. And although they have the word ‘sweet’ in their name, this super-food is also beneficial for diabetics because of its ability to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Tips & Warnings

• So the next time you’re having that mid-afternoon slump, reach for a bag of almonds instead of a candy bar, and plan ahead by preparing meals using these 10 ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how much more energy you have from consuming these common foods.