The Top 5 Energy-Boosting Superfoods

These energy-boosting superfoods have changed my life, and they can change yours too.

If there is one thing I hear from people around me almost everyday, it’s this: “I’m tired, I wish I had more energy to get through the day.” When clients first come to me they are struggling with fatigue and finding a steady energy that lasts. Life can be draining and food is the fuel you need to utilize in order to have energy levels that you desire!

I’ve spent most of my professional career teaching people how to maximize their energy. I’ve experienced the superfoods that make a BIG difference in energy levels. I’m sharing my top 5 superfoods with you so you can start feeling your best and having sufficient energy to tackle everyday that comes your way. Because life is much too short to merely ‘get through’ each day. I want you to feel your absolute best every morning that you wake up. These foods will help you do that:

Top 5 Energy-Boosting Superfoods (in no particular order)

#1 Wheat grass: there are so many health benefits to wheat grass, but one of the most noticeable benefits is the energy it provides. If there’s one thing I know to be true, wheat grass boosts my energy like crazy. It’s high in vitamins and minerals, as well as amino acids. And don’t worry; you don’t have to take wheat grass shots to get the benefits.

Wheat grass powder is available and it’s such a convenient way to get wheat grass in your diet. I add it to my smoothies almost every day. Aim for 1-2 Tablespoons, but start out small and work your way up if you’ve never used it before. Wheat grass has detoxifying properties to the body, so it’s best to ease your body into it. I highly recommend Amazing Grass Organic Wheat Grass Powder.

#2 Spirulina: talk about a powerhouse…. Spirulina is everything. It’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet! It has a high-protein content and it’s a massive energy booster. Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is high in antioxidants with the power to detoxify the body and supply it with abundant energy. Not only does it provide protein, but it’s also a great source of calcium, iron, and Vitamin B1. Spriulina will balance blood sugar levels which can help curb appetite and keep your body from the dreaded ‘energy crash’.

I use spriulina powder multiple times per week. I add it to my smoothies or I make an energy drink using spirulina powder and orange juice. You can get the recipe for that here. I recommend getting spirulina that’s sourced from Hawaii, it’s the highest quality. The brand I recommend is Nutrex Hawaii Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica Powder. If you have never used spirulina before, start out with 1 teaspoon and work your way up to 1 Tablespoon daily.

#3 Coconut oil: before you read any further, yes, coconut oil is high in saturated fat. BUT, the cool thing about coconut oil is the type of saturated fat that it is. Coconut oil has medium-chain triglycerides that provides energy to the body rather than being stored as fat in the body – unlike other saturated fats from animal-derived products. Not only does coconut oil provide energy, but it also helps boost metabolism to burn unwanted fat in the body. I don’t know about you, but those are two HUGE reasons to have coconut oil multiple times per day. Am I right?!

Coconut oil is really versatile so you can use it in different ways every day. I love adding it to smoothies, using it for cooking, and even making desserts with it! Aim for at least 2 Tablespoons of coconut oil daily. When you buy coconut oil, look for unrefined, virgin, and cold pressed. I love Dr. Bronners Coconut Oil.

#4 Collagen powder: collagen is the only animal-based product I use as a superfood. The reason being is that it helps balance hormones because of the rich amino acid content. It increases the function of the thyroid, which helps reduce stress by balancing cortisol levels. Less stress = more energy! And having adequate amounts of protein is important for energy levels as well. I love Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides because it will dissolve in any liquid and it’s tasteless! Add it to juice and smoothies, stir into oatmeal, boost sauces and dressings; the possibilities with this are endless.

#5 Cacao: for all you chocolate lovers out there, rejoice! Cacao is a superstar energy booster. With the highest concentration of magnesium of any dietary source on earth, cacao helps boost energy by optimizing the body’s use of oxygen. It helps increase mental focus and productivity, too. It’s important to use raw cacao to get the full benefit.

My favorite is in powder form so I can add it to smoothies, almond milk for a healthy hot cocoa, and yummy dessert recipes like my Vegan Chocolate Mousse. I recommend Healthworks Cacao Powder. It’s affordable and high quality. 2 teaspoons is enough to feel the benefit! If you want a big energy boost and need a really productive day, go for 1 Tablespoon. You can also get cacao in the form of nibs. They are crunchy and can be used in smoothies, oatmeal, desserts, etc. Healthworks Cacao Nibs is my recommendation.

You can easily incorporate these 5 superfoods into your daily life and it will make a HUGE impact on your energy levels.

I love to incorporate the superfoods into my morning smoothie. Try my Superfood Energizer Smoothie to make these superfoods part of your morning routine!

Superfood Energizer Smoothie

 

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Prep time

5 mins

Total time

5 mins

 

Author: Lauren Venosta

Recipe type: Juices & Smoothies

Cuisine: Gluten-free

Serves: 1 large or 2 small smoothies

Ingredients

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 cup frozen wild blueberries
• 1 banana
• 2 Tbsp. wheat grass powder
• 2 Tbsp. collagen powder
• 2 Tbsp. coconut oil

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth!

Notes

You can also sub mangoes for the blueberries if you'd like!

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Learn more ways to increase your energy so you can feel full of energy each day by applying for a free Start-Up Session with me here.

With joy and health,

Hi, I’m Lauren! I’m a Clinical Nutritionist and Personal Chef for motivated men and women who are struggling with their overall health. I help my clients utilize the healing powers of food in a way that is simple and effective so they can increase their energy and thrive! You can learn more about me here.