Looking for energy boosting foods that will help you stay focused during exam time, while you do that big project in work or simply to make the most of day-to-day life? It’s a bit of a minefield searching high and low online to find the best foods to keep your mind and body healthy, so we’ve pulled together a list for you!
Our Top 5 Energy Boosting Foods
Here’s our top 5 energy boosting foods to get you started:
- Blueberries
Blueberries are our top choice for brain functioning & energy boosting and one of our favourite superfoods! These little dark blue wonders are packed with nutrients & antioxidants.
As well as providing us with a tasty food boost that is low in calories, blueberries are anti-inflammatory, [1] helping to keep your mind & body in tip top shape!
Add some to your morning porridge or pop them into a fruit-packed smoothie to give you an energy boost during that 3pm slump.
Not a blueberry fan? Why not incorporate strawberries or acai berries into your diet instead!
2. Eggs
Full of vitamins B6 & B12[2] , eggs are a great energy boosting food that supports brain health & a healthy immune system.
Eggs are a great food for keeping you full for longer, providing energy – the best thing though is that they can be consumed in so many ways! Try boiled, scrambled, or poached for breakfast and to make it even tastier, add some of our Red Chilli Beef Biltong for a kick! Inspo for other meals? Add some healthy vegetables like peas & broccoli into a frittata for dinner!
3. Pumpkin Seeds
Who would have known?! Pumpkin seeds are actually a great source of energy. They’re full of lots of micronutrients like iron & magnesium that help support healthy brain function.[3]
So how do I eat more pumpkin seeds? Try toasting them and putting into your favourite salad or cover them in your favourite spice and pop them in the oven to roast for an energy boosting snack! We love having pumpkin seeds with our Black Pepper Beef Biltong in a snack bowl with nuts!
4. Nuts
Nuts are a fantastic source of protein, vitamins & nutrients, particularly Vitamin E. [4] From walnuts to cashews to almonds and pecans, nuts are a great and tasty way of packing in extra nutrients to your meals. Nuts are a great snack food — inexpensive, easy to store and easy to pack when you’re on the go.
A small, palm-sized portion (30g) is the perfecting energy boosting snack, bringing valuable vitamins into your daily food intake. Each type of nut also has its own wonderful health benefits, so you can choose from a big variety to suit your tastes.
So, how can I get more nuts into my diet? Easy! They’re great for an on-the-go snack to give you an energy boost or you can use them in lots of your breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Try putting some pecans on your porridge in the morning. Or why not toast up some flaked almonds and sprinkle them over your salads for a bit of crunch and that much needed boost at lunchtimes!
5. Broccoli
Last but certainly not least, our leafy, green friend broccoli. Packed full of vitamins, this vegetable can also help support brain functioning and its fibre qualities are a great source of energy. [5]
Did you know you can eat broccoli raw and cooked? We prefer cooked but each to their own! Steam, boil or pop into a stir fry to get those vitamins in during the day. We eat broccoli at least 2-3 times per week!
Try our Black Pepper Beef Biltong made with 100% beef for another tasty on-the-go energy snack!
[1] https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/superfoods-everyone-needs#1
[2] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-brain-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_11
[3] https://www.health.com/nutrition/pumpkin-seeds-benefits
[4] https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-nuts
[5] https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-broccoli#:~:text=Broccoli%20is%20a%20good%20source,B%20vitamins%20including%20folic%20acid.
