7 Energy-Boosting Foods

Regardless of your occupation, no one is safe from a case of the mid-afternoon blahs. It’s still hours away from the end of the workday and you still have to pick up the kids, get dinner going, and tidy up before you can get to your pillow. You need fuel, and while coffee and a goody from the vending machine may seem like a good, convenient idea, you’re likely to crash sooner than you’d like. To help you replenish your energy stores when you need them the most, we’ve compiled a list of 7 energy-boosting foods designed to get you through the rest of your hectic day.

A bonus? You may just have enough energy to go for that evening run.

7 Energy-Boosting Foods

EDAMAME

Fun to eat and fun to say, edamame is rich in energy-boosting protein. Edamame is also rich in fiber; it’s a slow-burning complex carbohydrate, that will leave you feeling satisfied and energize for hours. Bring a container of this delicious Edamame Hummus from Oh She Glows and snack yourself awake.

SPINACH

Low iron is often the culprit when it comes to general fatigue. Luckily, spinach is loaded with iron making it the ideal energy-restoring ingredient. Spinach has numerous other health benefits, which make it a smart choice at anytime of the day. Give these perfectly mobile Ricotta Spinach Fritters from Aggie’s Kitchen a try and see if you don’t develop a spring in your step.

BEANS

Beans are packed with slow-burning carbohydrates and a ton of protein, making them the ideal midafternoon snack. They will keep you nice and full until dinner and they are incredibly versatile, so you can add them to just about anything. Give this Mango Black Bean Salsa a try.

EGGS

Eggs are a breakfast staple for a reason. Packed with protein, eggs offer the energy you need to start your day, but there’s no reason you should limit your egg intake to the AM. Eggs are great anytime you need a boost. Don’t neglect the yolk; it’s packed with vitamin B and vitamin D both of which are potent energy-boosters. These Salsa Egg Bites from A Simple Pantry should do the trick.

ALMONDS

Packed with revitalizing nutrients, like Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, copper, and riboflavin, almonds are an excellent midafternoon snack. Easy to transport and undeniably delicious, you’ll have no trouble integrating these nuts into your diet. Try mixing up a batch of this Almond Snack Mix.

BERRIES

Berries are rich in a particular antioxidant called anthocyanins, which are extremely adept at upping your energy stores. Berries are easy to transport and their sweet, slightly tart flavour make them easy to enjoy. Give this Blackberry & Lime Smoothie a try or enjoy them au natural.

OATS

Oats, like beans, offer slow-burning energy due to their high fiber content. Oats can be added to smoothies, enjoyed as a bowl of oatmeal, or baked into chewy homemade granola bars. Choose steel cut oats over instant varieties to get the most from this energy-restoring powerhouse. Stash a few of these No-Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Balls in the office freezer in case of emergencies.