Feeling Sluggish? Here’s What Foods You Should Eat for a Little Pick-Me- Up

Maybe you didn’t sleep well last night. Or maybe you just hit a wall this afternoon. Whatever the reason, you know you’re tired and in need of a saving grace. Instead of picking up a coffee or energy drink, all you need to do is look to certain foods. The following is a list of things you should look out for:

Foods that are high in fiber and protein

Consumed together, fiber and protein help to stabilize our blood sugar levels. This in turn prevents the “crashes” that we often experience after consuming highly caffeinated beverages.

What to eat:

 Beans, Lentils, Legumes –Not only are they high in both fiber and protein (edamame contains 17g and 8g respectively), but they are also filled with nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and iron.

 Chia Seeds –This super food is an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, protein and fiber. In fact, it contains 5g of protein and 10g of fiber in only 2 tbs. The combination of fiber and protein, when combined with liquid, also makes us feel full. Relatively tasteless, they can be added to just about anything. Sprinkle them on top of yogurt, add them to smoothies, or even throw some in your glass of water.

Foods that contain lots of water

Eating high-water- content foods helps undo the exhaustion that results from dehydration. Feeling tired? You might just be thirsty and not realize it. Munch on some fruits and veggies. After all, they are 80-90% water.

What to eat:

 Berries – This type of fruit is high in both fiber and water. They are also rich in antioxidants and aid in cell function and mental cognition. So add some blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, or raspberries to your smoothies and yogurt parfaits. You’ll feel more energized and it’ll keep you healthy!

 Celery – While low in calories, celery is also full of water and fiber – two things that keep you feeling full for longer. It is a crunchy snack that pairs well with unsalted nut butters such as peanut, almond, and cashew. Luckily, these unsalted nut butters can also work as pick-me- ups, as they are full of protein, fiber, and healthy fatty acids.

Foods that are high in B-vitamins

Vitamin B is a known energy booster. Besides its ability to convert food into energy, it also helps to regulate our blood pressure and nerve health. B- vitamins are most often found in plant and animal foods.

What to eat:

 Leafy Greens – Vegetables such as spinach, kale, and chard are packed with B-vitamins such as folate, which helps promote heart health and prevent cancer. They are also full of protein, calcium, and potassium – basically all the good stuff. Try throwing in some spinach to your smoothies, adding them to omelets, or tossing them in your salad.

 Salmon – Salmon is an excellent sourced of B3 and B12. Eat some smoked salmon with eggs and toast for breakfast, or cook it for dinner with a side of… you guessed it: leafy greens.