Feeling kind of blah? Instead of reaching for a caffeinated beverage as a temporary pick-me-up, take a closer look at your diet. By choosing to eat certain foods throughout the day, you can give your body a natural boost of energy that will last longer than a cup of coffee.
Here are five healthy foods that pack a punch of energy, according to Virgin HealthMiles:
1. Avocados
Sure they are fatty, but they are filled with good fats: heart-healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats, both of which lower total cholesterol. And they taste so good!
2. Sweet Potatoes
Filled with fiber and beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A, sweet potatoes can be eaten mashed or baked, plain or with seasonings. When purchasing sweet potatoes, look for those with a darker flesh because that means they're higher in beta-carotene content.
3. Oatmeal
Get the real thing and not those prepackaged servings with artificial flavoring. Use quick-cooking oats to make a bowl of oatmeal in minutes on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add fresh or dried fruit, honey or nuts for a nutritious breakfast.
4. Yogurt
Look for yogurt that has "live cultures" or "probiotics." This means it's full of friendly bacteria that will help prevent harmful germs from invading your body through the lining of your digestive system. Yogurt can also help prevent colds and other infections. For an added boost, add honey and berries to plain yogurt.
5. Salmon
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, as well as minimize symptoms of arthritis and inflammatory diseases. If possible, eat wild salmon, rather than farm-raised salmon. Don't like fish? You can get your omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, almonds, walnuts and flaxseed.