I realise it has been a while since I last sat down and wrote a blog. Life took an unexpected and exciting turn that saw me relocating and returning to work, however, this time as I return into the workforce, I am doing a job that excites me, fills me with satisfaction and ignites my passion.
Today, I wanted to share with you how you can naturally increase your energy levels without reaching for the caffeine. Hands up, how many of you get to 3pm in the afternoon at work and you are toying with the idea of having a cup of coffee and a bar of chocolate to see you through till the end of the day? Below is my 4 top foods that help to increase energy levels, naturally.
When you focus on the quality and quantity of food with vitamins and minerals that support energy metabolism, you are nourishing and supporting your body naturally.
Important vitamins and minerals for energy metabolism are:
B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Iron, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium and Zinc. Unfortunately these nutrients become massively depleted when the body is under stress (whether it's physically, mentally or emotionally).
Bone Broth
Bone broth is a natural energy drink without caffeine. Good quality, grass-fed bone broth is packed with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, in particular, a nutrient called glycine. Glycine is shown to naturally increase your body’s serotonin which is a mood-stabilizing, “feel good” hormone that makes you feel alive and happy!
Sipping on bone broth morning, afternoon, or evening can give you a similar experience to drinking a warm cup of coffee and serve as a natural energizer without caffeine. This gives your brain and body the raw materials needed to give you a little extra pep in your step.
Fruit
Some of our best natural energizers without caffeine come straight from the earth, like fruit together with a handful of mixed nuts and see your energy levels noticeably improve.
You would be shocked to realize you didn’t need that synthetic caffeine drip the way you thought when you feed your body nutrient-rich carbohydrates alongside a healthy fat or protein that are all packed with additional nutrients.
Choose from your favorite mineral-rich fruits below and aim for 2-3 servings per day!
Most energizing fruits include:
Banana
Apple
Avocado
Goji berries
Berries
Oranges
Watermelon
Always pair your fruit with a healthy fat or protein source such as nut butter, nuts, protein powder, or grass-fed turkey jerky. This ensures blood sugar doesn’t shoot through the roof, causing your energy to crash soon after.
Dark Leafy Greens and Vegetables
Don’t skip your greens! Greens are powerhouse natural energizers without caffeine. Fruit is fantastic, but it doesn’t replace the need for a generous amount of dark leafy greens and root veggies in the diet.
These foods are some of the best sources of folate, a b vitamin that turns glucose or sugar from carbohydrates into energy.
Not to mention dark leafy greens, including:
Spinach
Kale
Arugula
Collard greens
Bok choy
Are packed with minerals like magnesium and calcium (often even more than dairy sources!) that support daily energy metabolism and stability.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is one of the few energy drinks without caffeine that provides minerals like potassium and sodium, as well as carbohydrates, which are the primary nutrient used to generate energy in the body.