7 Superfoods to Increase Your Energy ...

One of the best things I ever did was add superfoods to my diet, and I would like to share with you my favorite superfoods to increase your energy levels so you can get in on the benefits as well. Superfoods are not just a money-making scheme like some may think. What makes a superfood so great? For starters, superfoods are potent foods that are from all parts of the world, and aren’t available to grow in our own backyards here in America. Secondly, these rare foods are so dense in nutrition, you only need minuscule amounts to make a huge difference in your health. Almost all known superfoods are known to give you an energy boost, but certain ones are a little more powerful than others. Since some of these superfoods are conveniently found in a powder form, they can easily be added to anything you choose. My favorite way to use these superfoods to increase your energy is to put them in a smoothie! This isn’t only a delicious way to use them, but also a creative one. Though they can seem pricey, most containers last around 3 months each since you only need 1/2 – 1 tsp. per day. Start using these superfoods to increase your energy and you’ll feel like a new person in no time without needing 3 cups of coffee each day!

1. Maca

Maca is probably one of my top three favorite superfoods to increase your energy. I use this in my smoothies and even in hot beverages like tea and coffee since it lends a great caramel flavor. Maca is actually a root that originates in Peru. Since it doesn’t grow in all climates, it is dried and powdered to be exported in the rest of the world to use. Maca is incredibly powerful for balancing hormones and is beneficial to women for relief of PMS symptoms and anxiety, and also low libido. Maca is also a great adaptogen that helps decrease stress levels, enhance strength, stamina and libido as well as providing great energy and endurance. It works with the rhythms and needs of your own body. Maca is rich is calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, vitamins B1, B2, C, E and iron. It contains lots of trace minerals like zinc and selenium. It is great for fatigue, depression and malnutrition. I like to buy raw maca powder, but many find that the gelatinized versions digest easier.

2. Cacao

Cacao is my number one favorite superfood to increase your energy. Cacao is basically raw chocolate, so I’m sure you can understand why! Cacao is the most nutrient dense and antioxidant rich food in the world in its raw form. Cacao is rich in iron, zinc, magnesium, fiber and healthy raw fats. Cacao is such a powerful food that it is used as an antidepressant in many parts of the world. It is a stimulant, but is much lower in caffeine than coffee. In fact, I replaced my morning coffee each day with a little cacao powder, mixed with maca powder and stevia, which I add to hot water to make my own beverage that tastes strikingly similar to coffee. Just be sure to avoid store bought chocolate, as this is not the cacao I’m speaking of. I’m talking pure organic raw cacao (chocolate). Pure, raw, organic cacao is so amazing. I enjoy it every single day in healthy, sugar free energy bars, drinks and different smoothies. My energy is always steady and I never crash, but always feel elevated naturally.

3. Chia Seeds

I love to use chia seeds when I need a boost of energy! Chia seeds are excellent sources of complete proteins, which help to increase our stamina and overall energy levels. Chia seeds are also known for their high fiber content. They contain potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and manganese as well. They absorb ten times their weight in water when you soak them, so they not only aid in regularity, which naturally helps with energy levels, but they also keep you hydrated to keep your energy levels high. I use them in smoothies, homemade energy bars, and homemade puddings. You can use them any way you like, but I definitely recommend giving them a try. They are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids as well, which are great for many different health reasons.

4. Raw Coconut

This is my number one favorite food, not just because it is a wonderful superfood to increase your energy, but also because it is one of the best foods you can eat for your overall health. The water inside the young coconut is full of electrolytes and rich in potassium, making it ideal for proper hydration and energy levels. Coconut meat is high in protein and fiber and is a great source of medium chain saturated fats, which are essential to your body’s energy levels. It has been proven that the saturated fat in coconut oil supports the immune system, thyroid gland, nervous system and skin. Coconut oil and butter are also very healthy saturated fats and are perfect for cooking as they're the only oil/butter that stay stable when you heat them. This is why using coconut oil for cooking is much safer and healthier than any other oils.

5. Spirulina

I am always trying to tell people why they need spirulina in their life! Spirulina is a blue-green algae, which thrives in alkaline lakes. It contains over 65% of complete protein and 300% more than fish, meat or poultry, with absolutely no cholesterol. Spirulina is also very rich in chlorophyll and iron, with about 58 times more than spinach. It is also rich in antioxidants, beta-carotene and essential fatty acid Omega 3 and 6. Spirulina has really helped me to have more strength and energy, along with a strong sense of clarity and satiety. In fact, I credit it to my overall energy levels, and better mood. I choose to use it as a powder, which is the most powerful way to be absorbed by your body, and add it to my smoothies. Spirulina is also great for people who have digestive issues as it helps improvethe absorption of nutrients by your body. As you can see, I love spirulina and I really recommend you to give it a try. I am pretty sure you will notice great improvements in your energy in just a few days!

6. Gogi Berries

Goji berries are such a lovely little energy-boosting food! This berry is a fruit found in Asia and some parts of America. Gogi is usually available dried and that is one of my favorite ways to use it. What makes Gogi berries so great? These berries are one of the most nutritious berries found in the world. They are a complete source of protein and amino acids, contain lots of trace mineral as well as vitamins B1, B2, B6, E and C. Gogis are very energizing without the need for stimulants and they have this delightfully tart taste that pairs great in trail mix too! Add them to your smoothies, breakfasts, salads or any other way you like. Gogi tea is also a popular beverage as an alternative to coffee.

7. Matcha Green Tea

We all know green tea is healthy for us, but matcha green tea puts the regular stuff to shame! Matcha green tea is a form of green tea that is most often consumed in the Japanese culture and it is basically green tea leaves that haven’t been as highly heated or processed as standard green tea leaves are. This makes it incredibly powerful due to the higher amounts of antioxidants that stay intact. Amongst its many benefits, matcha green tea boosts metabolism and burns calories, detoxifies your body naturally, energizes you in a steady manner that also promotes consistent tranquility, and it fights viruses and bacteria so you can feel more energized with a better immune system. Matcha green tea also provides Vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium to your body. It is also rich in fiber, which lowers your cholesterol and insulin levels. I like to drink one cup of warm water, add ¼ tsp. matcha green tea powder, a little stevia and some fresh lemon to drink in the morning as a nice alkaline alternative to coffee.

Many people rely on energy bars, supplements and caffeine to get them through the day. The truth is, food was meant to give us all we need when we choose the right ones! Nature is full of energy sources, but with these certain superfoods, you’ll not only feel more energized, but also be healthier too. Do you have any favorite superfoods that give you more energy?