Alison Bradow
Apr 10, 20211 min
Updated: Mar 26, 2022
Get more energy from the food you eat! Here are some tips to get you started:
This means eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, healthy fats, and lean protein.
Eat a variety of different color fruits and vegetables to maximize antioxidants intake and energy
Think beans, lentils, seeds, spinach, and other dark leafy greens. Consume Vitamin C rich foods to boost absorption
Add fiber, healthy fats, or lean protein for a more filling and energizing breakfast.
Sugary foods and drinks, caffeine (too much), and alcohol
After all, food is fuel!
Incorporate more of the foods that are high in energizing vitamins and minerals: beans, lentils, legumes, nuts, seeds, peanuts, fatty fishes like salmon, oats, barley, brown rice, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and even pure cacao or dark chocolate - 70 percent or more!
Try this quick, easy, and energizing "recipe" for a tasty breakfast or dessert:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1
Ingredients
1 C Plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 inch square of 70 percent or higher dark chocolate
1/2 cup assorted fresh berries
Instructions
Fill a small bowl with yogurt; stir in vanilla extract.
Put dark chocolate in a zip-top bag and crush, or place on cutting board and shave with a paring knife. Sprinkle chocolate onto yogurt.
Top with fresh berries. Enjoy!
Alison Bradow is the chronic disease prevention coordinator at the YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing. Visit her ymcaoflansing.org