Why didn’t someone tell me that when I had kids, I’d also be accepted straight into the “surviving on little sleep” club? It always seems like it’s those nights when I have an extra big meeting the next day, or a project that has to be completed that my kiddos decide they need some extra snuggles that night or I’m exclusively invited to their 2 am party in their room. The story of our lives, right?
And although we all hear it all the time and we know sleep is the best way to reset our bodies and feel energized (along with many other health benefits), there are moments that, as moms, we have to accept we might not be able to get as much sleep as we would like (or, maybe binge-watching Netflix accidentally took priority over getting to bed.).
And at times, accepting the reality and grabbing an extra cup of coffee that day might do the trick, there’s more we can do to help boost our energy throughout the day. And more energy means higher productivity, better focus, and concentration, rocking your presentation, and maybe even getting through the day without that afternoon energy crash.
Food can be a major help in times where we need a little energy boost (and it doesn’t mean loading up on sugar and caffeine). So if you’re a busy mom who can use all the energy you can get, you’re in luck.
Looking for some quick and easy energy-boosting foods to help you get through your day? Try these:
Energy Boosting Breakfast Foods
You’ve heard it – “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day”. After a full night of sleep, your body needs a strong source of energy through food to help you perform at your best throughout the day. It’s easy to go for sugary breakfast cereals that feel like a quick energy boost, but they are often nutritionally incomplete and leave you hungry well before lunchtime. Instead, try one of these energy-packed breakfast options:
- Banana
- Eggs
- Apples
- Oatmeal
- Yogurt
High Energy Lunch Foods
Ever looked at the clock and realized you missed lunch time? I have. It happens to the best of us (which is why I now have several alarms on my phone that remind me when it’s time to eat!), the after-effects of missing lunch usually result in an energy crash come later in the day. Early afternoons are such a common time for an energy slump, so it’s especially important that you’re fueling your body with high quality, energy-packed foods, especially when you’re a busy mom with a lot to get done! Try these go-to lunch options to keep you going strong through the afternoon:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Hummus
- Quinoa
High Energy Dinners
Although it might seem that you’d want to lay off the high energy foods come dinner time, getting a nutritionally dense, energy-filled foods at the end of your day can set you up for success for the next day and beyond, as many of these high energy foods also have vitamins and minerals that benefit brain function and more. Try some of these helpful options during dinner time:
- Lentils
- Beans
- Beets
- Salmon
Tips for Eating Foods That Give You Energy
Most importantly, the way you eat your food can be an impactful way to maintain your energy levels throughout the day as well. Here are some great tips for keeping your energy up using food:
- Eat small, more frequent meals
- Drink plenty of water – staying hydrated is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to help boost your energy
- Eat unprocessed, energy-filled snacks in between meals (Almonds, Pistachios, and peanut butter are great examples)
- Add in adaptogens – These herbs are becoming well known for their effects to help manage stress in the body.
Last, but not least, plan ahead for the greatest success.
When you have pre-packed snacks and small meals that are ready to “grab and go”, it’s less likely that you’ll run into a situation where you’re without food and have to grab a less healthy option. I always have an extra protein bar in my bag just in case I get stranded without food. Find a brand that has high-quality ingredients, limited amounts of saturated fat, and naturally sourced sugar.
So when you’re finding that sleep is in short supply, know that, first of all, you’re not alone. And next, making these foods a regular part of your meal planning can help when you need a little energy back-up.
What are some of your favorite energy-packed foods?
Want some more information? Check out these resources: Eating to boost energy, Foods that boost energy, What are adaptogens
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