Always Tired? Eat These 8 Superfoods To Naturally Boost Your Energy

1. Blueberries

Sugar is usually the first thing we reach for when our energy is low. Instead of denying your sweet tooth, swap the cookies for low-glycemic blueberries that won’t leave you crashing later.

2. Avocados

In my book Ketotarian, I go into detail about why it is so important to use fat as your fuel instead of carbs and sugar. To paint a picture, fat is like a log to a fire - slow burning and long-lasting - whereas sugar is more like kindling that provides a quick spark but does out just as fast.

Avocados are a fantastic source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein that when combined allow for a more steady flow of energy. Plus, they make a great addition to many different breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals.

3. Wild-caught seafood

If you do eat animal protein - particularly seafood - wild-caught fish like salmon and sardines make an excellent addition to your grocery list since they are high in essential omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that omega-3s can help stabilize blood sugar, (1) balance your mood, (2) and enhance cognitive function. (3)

4. Golden milk

Most health problems - including chronic fatigue (4) - are rooted in chronic inflammation. By incorporating more anti-inflammatory superfoods like turmeric, (5) you can start to fight chronic fatigue at its source. One way to do this is by whipping up a delicious golden milk latte made with turmeric, healthy fat-rich coconut milk, and cinnamon which also boasts blood sugar balancing capabilities.

5. Sweet potatoes

If you are more active, you may require more carbohydrates than someone else. Sweet potatoes are a fantastic choice since they also contain fiber that works to slow your body’s absorption of carbohydrates to avoid blood sugar spikes.

6. Brussels sprouts

Methylation is a biochemical process that happens close to 1 billion times a second and plays a role in everything from neurotransmitter production, inflammation levels, and - you guessed it - your energy levels. In fact, methylation impairments have been linked to chronic fatigue. (6) Since methylation requires B vitamins to function optimally, load up on sulfuric vegetables like Brussels sprouts

7. Seeds

Pumpkin, chia, hemp, and flax seeds are great energy boosters whether you eat a plant-based diet or not. Not only are they loaded with fiber and fatty acids, but they are also easy to eat by the handful on the go or added to smoothies and salads.

8. Green tea

Yes, green tea does contain caffeine but there is way more to its energy-boosting qualities than meets the eye. Green tea contains powerful antioxidants like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) that have been shown to reduce inflammation (7) that can play a role in stress and chronic fatigue. Green tea also contains L-theanine which works to slow the absorption of caffeine in your brain to deliver a steady stream of energy without the jitters.

The Takeaway

So many of us struggle with low energy on a daily basis that it's easy to write it off as "normal." But I always say that just because something is common doesn't make it normal. It is possible to restore your energy levels, and the first step can be tweaking what you eat. By fueling your body with foods that give you energy like those on this list, you’ll be powering through your days in no time.

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