Natural Energy Boosters

Columnist - Chelsea Ehrke

When you need an energy boost, do you make a quick run to Starbucks or The Coffee Bean? We all have the occasional long day and everyone enjoys an afternoon coffee, but those pick-me-up drinks can become a habit that’s hard on your wallet. If you make a café run every weekday (perhaps on your way to work or on a lunch break), your nonfat soy latte routine can end up costing you over $1,000 per year! Brewing at home eases the cost, but daily coffee intake also affects your body negatively as well, causing impaired digestion and annoying yellowing of the teeth. Here are a few natural foods that you can incorporate into your diet for a natural energy boost to help decrease your dependence on caffeine:

Potatoes

Potatoes have a high concentration of important energy-boosting nutrients, including fiber, iron and potassium. It’s easy to fix a potato with just about any meal. Try hash browns with breakfast, microwave a potato for lunch, or fix some mashed potatoes with dinner.

Carrots

The beta-carotene in carrots is well-known for its positive impact on vision, but it also helps increase energy. Better yet, carrots are one of the quickest and easiest foods to prepare, since they can be eaten alone or cooked in a variety of ways. Pack a bag of baby carrots for an afternoon snack, or throw them in a stir-fry. Carrot juice is also a delicious drink that’s a good replacement for sugary juices.

Bananas

The high potassium levels in bananas help boost energy levels over a long period of time. Like carrots, they’re also an easy snack that can be included any time of day. Try one with breakfast…or dessert!

Cayenne

Cayenne pepper boosts blood circulation, helping oxygen travel throughout the entire body to increase alertness. Cayenne is one of our favorite spices at home, and we incorporate it in numerous meals, from soup to deviled eggs and barbecued chicken.

Beans

The protein in beans - as well as the iron and fiber - help increase energy. Beans are a great side dish or can be easily incorporated in a breakfast burrito.

While most people’s natural instinct is to grab an espresso or a bite from the vending machine when they feel sluggish, they might forget that the sugar in most drinks and processed snacks ultimately causes an energy crash later. More healthful ways to boost your energy while improving overall health (and saving money!) include eating plenty of fibrous foods as part of a balanced diet and getting lots of rest and exercise. You should also take vitamin supplements to guard against deficiencies that can make you feel fatigued. If you must indulge in the occasional coffee, try to brew it at home. The savings over time can really add up. Plus, it can be fun to learn how to make cappuccinos and lattes on your own (and the skills will really impress your Starbucks-addicted friends).

Web: somedayilllearn
Twitter: twitter.com/SomeDayIllLearn