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by @explorerbri
Mornings are a fascinating thing. We’ve just enjoyed a full night’s sleep, yet it’s still so tough to get up and go. What I’ve sometimes found even more challenging is finding food that actually helps wake me up in the morning. One of the most important things I’ve learned is that the best way to get a boost of energy, especially in the morning, is to consume more *real* food. That is, food that’s closest to its natural form, instead of packaged and processed foods.
Imagine a regular morning…but with power-ups in the form of food! We’ve compiled four of our favourite energizing foods that help us get up and go.
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Frozen berries – a refreshing start
[/fusion_text][fusion_text]There’s just something about frozen berries to start the day: they’re sweet, they’re cold, and the best part? They have all of the nutrients locked in from when they were picked and immediately frozen. Along with their natural sugar, they have plenty of natural fiber, which helps to keep us fuller for longer. Thanks to their incredibly high levels of antioxidants, they keep our neural pathways functioning smoothly, helping us feel alert, and improving our memory, learning ability and motor skills.
Try them out: Pour some frozen berries in smoothies, oatmeal, or yoghurt for an tasty and refreshing start to your morning.[/fusion_text][/two_third][one_third last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/imageframe][/one_third][one_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/imageframe][/one_third][two_third last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]
Chia seeds – energy for days
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It’s an understatement to say that chia seeds are a powerful food. Not only is “chia” a Mayan word meaning “strength,” chia seeds were previously used to sustain Mexican tribes in running up to fifty miles per day…per day! Rich in antioxidants – comparable to blueberries, actually – it’s a nutritional powerhouse, containing a complete protein, and is one of the most concentrated sources of Omega-3 fatty acids (the good kind of fat).
Try them out: Add a couple of spoonfuls of chia seeds to your oatmeal, smoothies, or even toast with peanut butter.
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Raw nuts – powerful protein
[/fusion_text][fusion_text]Raw nuts are one of the best ways to get lots of calories – and energy – in a small serving. They contain high levels of magnesium, which helps to convert sugar into energy, and the good fats present in the nuts help put you in a better mood. Nuts are full of protein and fiber, which boost and stabilize energy, helping you last from breakfast to lunch without needing to snack on some potentially unhealthy treats.
Try them out: Nuts are so versatile, you can eat a small handful by itself or add some into a smoothie. Also try slicing or grinding some up for oatmeal.[/fusion_text][/two_third][one_third last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/imageframe][/one_third][one_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/imageframe][/one_third][two_third last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]
Watermelon – mouth-watering melon
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Watermelon is 90% water (90%!), and ultra-hydrating, containing lots of electrolytes, which enhance your performance, and are known for replenishing fluids and glucose that were lost during a workout. Also packed with antioxidants, watermelon consumption lowers free radicals (chemicals in the body which can be damaging). With plenty of B-Vitamins and Magnesium to go around, this luscious melon both rejuvenates energy and helps with metabolism. An added bonus: the vitamins in watermelon also naturally improve your mood and overall wellbeing.
Try it out: Eat it raw or blend up in a fresh fruit juice. It’s delectable!
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