Lacking Energy? Get a Boost
When you are feeling tired, how do you re-engage yourself? Do you slam an energy drink? Do you drink coffee…and lots of it? Do you live for Mountain Dew? Do you run to the grocery store and stock up on sugary treats? For the majority of exhausted college students, one of these options fits their typical routine. However, there is a problem with this tendency. By giving into these caffeine and sugar-rich foods and beverages, you are in actuality just loading up your body with empty calories and seriously unhealthy fuel. There is little to no nutritional value to any of these products, which essentially means that your body is fueling itself on pure caffeine and sugar, both of which can actually harm your body in the future more than help it.
So you might be asking what your alternatives are? Well, I am here to tell you that there are other foods out there that are, in essence, “super foods.” They strengthen and energize your body due to their natural sugars, vitamins, and minerals that provide you with fuel AND healthy nutrition. So what are these miraculous foods?
1. Cherries: Jam packed with antioxidants and healthy, natural sugars
2. Eggs: protein rich, low calorie, filled with zinc, and great for energy boosts
3. Yogurt: also a major source of protein and calcium that is filled with healthy bacteria for your body, called “probiotics”
4. Trail Mix (Fruit and Nuts): a quick and all-natural source of protein from nuts paired with antioxidant-rich fruits…you can’t go wrong!
5. Whole Grain Cereal: filled with complex carbohydrates, grain breaks down slowly and gives your body long-lasting energy
6. Lean Chicken and Poultry: a great source of protein low in fat and calories that will feed your muscles and give you endless energy and drive
7. Water: obvious necessity for energy. Stay hydrated during activity and fuel your body with its primary ingredient: H2O
8. Fish: fish, especially salmon, are rich in protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids that fuel your body and provide it with long lasting energy without all of the saturated fat.
Trust me. Your body will thank you later 🙂