What are the best foods for building energy?

In need of an energy lift? Two of the most common things to reach for when you wake up feeling like you have been hit by the all-night truck is coffee and soft drink. Both of these drinks contain caffeine but they also contain a lot of other things that you want to avoid. The next time you are feeling like you could go back to bed before the clock even strikes 8am, try one of these caffeine free alternatives instead:

Breakfast Energy Builders

Eggs

Start the day off right by tossing a couple of eggs in the frying pan. Scrambled eggs provide a great kick for the day and are also a favourite for kiddies as well. But whether it be boiled, fried or poached, eggs are a great long term energy sustainer.

Peanut Butter and Bananas

Don’t have the time to scramble? Toast some bread, add peanut butter and top with bananas with a squirt of honey for a sweet and protein rich start to the day. It is delicious too! Try to avoid white bread and stick to the grained varieties.

Spinach Smoothie

Sounds gross right? But spinach is incredibly good for you. So instead of reaching for the coffee beans, reach for the blender and add some of your favourite fruits. Grab a handful of spinach as well which will provide you with much needed protein but without the dullness of eating spinach by itself. You won’t even know it’s there when mixed with other delicious foods like yoghurt and berries.

Start Kicking Snacks

Power Bars

Often you will be running around during snack time and the easiest thing to do is stop into a bakery to pick up a quick muffin and coffee to go. However, not only is this expensive but it is also not the best way to keep energised during the day. So, instead keep a box of power bars, energy bars or even muesli bars in the pantry and grab one to stick into your purse before you hit the stores. That way you will have an easy way to re-energise on the road, whether you are stuck in traffic or stuck in line at the grocery store. Try our delicious Raw Snack Bars!

Nuts

Nuts are a no no at school and daycare – but if your kids can eat them – they are a delicious and good for you snack for after school or weekends. They are great for grown ups too – so pack some for your lunch! If you are hungry, grab a handful to eat before you go for the chocolate bars or chips. Make sure you add almonds into the mixture. Spice it up with Goji berries, sultanas and dried apricot pieces. You can pick up assorted pots of fruit and nut combinations at the grocery store or mix your own the night before.

Apple and Oranges

Apples and oranges are a great after school snack for the kids and for you as well. Cut them up and serve with dip or add them to the juicer for freshly squeezed juice. Apple cut into wedges and dipped into yoghurt are a lovely after school snack!

Lunch and Dinner Drive

Beans

Kidney beans, lentils, chick peas; all of these legumes are easy to add to most of your favourite stir fries, sauces and casseroles and pack a number of nutritional benefits. Not only are they really cheap, they are filling and delicious. Especially fantastic in meals like Spaghetti Bolognaise.

Whole Grains

Always stick to whole grain foods, especially pasta and rice which will fill you up faster without making you feel bloated. There is so much more widely available grains now – avoid white at all costs!

Liver

If you can stomach it, try adding liver to your diet which will get the heart racing.

Sushi

Don’t have time to cook lunch or dinner? Then one of your best take away options is sushi. Seaweed and fish are excellent energy building foods and offer a healthy way to get your omega 3’s. Choose tasty combos such as salmon and avocado which will leave you feeling fresh and lively rather than full and drowsy.