Feeding the Body with Love Food!
Chef Ernesto
Beans
Lean protein, iron, B-vitamins and amino acids make beans an obvious go-to for energy, but another big benefit comes from their fiber content.Fiber slows digestion, giving your body a longer-term source of energy.
Apples
Fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants have a lot of energy-boosting power on their own, but apples also contain fructose, which is quickly and efficiently processed by our bodies for energy.
Bananas
A favorite of bodybuilders, bananas offer potassium, which helps muscles contract properly, as well as the fruit sugars fructose and glucose. Glucose is rapidly digested and turned into energy, so that you’ll start feeling more alert right away.
Pumpkin seeds
Like nuts, pumpkin seeds contain muscle-sustaining protein, vitamins and healthy fats. They’re also full of magnesium, which helps convert food into energy.
Water with lemon
When you’re feeling a little slow, take the time to drink a glass of water, preferably with a slice of lemon for a little bit of added vitamin C. Dehydration can sap both metabolism and energy levels. Try coconut water, too, which contains electrolytes and potassium.
Watermelon
It may seem like mostly – well
– water, but watermelon is a
surprisingly good source
of energy-boosting B-vitamins, potassium and fructose. And thanks to its high water content, it’s hydrating, too.
Blueberries
Blueberries are often listed among so-called “superfoods” for a reason. Antioxidants in blueberries can help improve cognition, and were even found to have an anti-aging effect in a 2007 study on rats. Pair them with walnuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and you’ve got ideal brain food.
Red Bell Peppers
You can get 380% of your daily recommended value of vitamin C just by eating one red bell pepper. Vitamin C helps the healing process, so your body feels less fatigued.It also contains the phytochemical lycopene, fiber and vitamin B6.
Dark Chocolate
Not only does dark chocolate boost metabolism
by lowering stress levels, it also increases alertness
and sharpens cognitive skills for a short-term period
after eating it. A study found that flavanols in
dark chocolate increase blood flow to key areas of
the brain for two to three hours, helping to fight fatigue.
Low-Fat Yogurt
The same amino acid that makes lean meat such a
good choice for relieving fatigue and sluggishness
can also be found in yogurt. Choose fat-free or
low-fat greek yogurt to eliminate added sugar
and get even more protein.
Green Smoothies
Take the energy-packing power of leafy greens, greek yogurt, apples and bananas, and combine it with any other fruits you like, and you’ve got a wake-up call in a glass. Spinach and kale are favorites for green smoothies because their mild flavor is masked or even complemented by the flavors of the fruit.
Tune in next month to discover how to put the "Humm" back into action for a strong sex drive.