How many times a week do you find yourself needing a pick-me-up during the day? Instead of resorting to soft drinks or sugary snacks you should stock your office with energy boosting foods.
Eating healthy has been associated with spending more money at the grocery store. Yes junk food is relatively cheaper but it's not benefiting your health. I've highlighted 10 food options that can provide you with that extra kick while providing the nutrition your body needs:
1. Apples
We've all heard that famous saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." There is truth behind that statement. In fact apples are high in minerals and vitamins as well as vital antioxidants.
2. Almonds
Almonds are packed with the good fats your body needs. These fats actually curve your appetite and help you to feel full. The recommended serving size for nuts is 1 oz. In other words a little goes a long way.
3. Bananas
Potassium is the crucial ingredient in bananas. It's not only an energy booster by maintaining blood pressure and heart rhythms it's necessary for your kidneys and other organs to function normally.
TIP: Throw some peanut butter on that thing and you've got a slice of heaven.
4. Hummus
Hummus is made from what? Yep... chickpeas. Two cups of chickpeas equals your entire daily value of fiber. Also they're rich in protein and do not contain any cholesterol or saturated fats.
Hummus is a great way to obtain Omega 3 fatty acids; which in turn improves your intelligence among other things.
5. Carrots
Like chickpeas carrots also contain a lot of fiber. Pick up a pack of baby carrots next time you're at the grocery store. They're the perfect snackable size.
6. Watermelon
One of the main benefits of watermelon is the presence of vitamins A and C which help in controlling inflammation sickness and other illnesses.
According to Rob Poulos "The high water content of watermelon is part of what gives it fat burning benefits helping to make your metabolism work more efficiently. With a healthy amount of fiber and protein your body will still work harder simply processing watermelon."
7. Pineapple
Having digestive problems? Pineapple is your new best friend. It contains the enzyme bromelain. Bromelain aids in breaking down foods and removes toxins from the blood stream.
Here are a few other benefits the pineapple has to offer: manganese vitamin C vitamin B1 and the ability to fight joint pain. It's time Pineapple is recognized as a power fruit instead of only its delicious taste.
8. Avocado
It seems like avocado has taken the country by storm recently. Several restaurants are now offering it on their meals or as an additional option.
You might consider an avocado if you don't prefer the taste of bananas. Believe it or not they're richer in potassium. The highest fruit source of vitamin E is in avocados as well.
9. Strawberries
In case you didn't realize it strawberries are oozing with antioxidants and an excellent source of vitamin C. They can help boost your immunity enhance eye health fight cancer and bad cholesterol and regulate blood pressure.
Do you need any more reasons why strawberries are awesome?
10. Popcorn
You might be surprised in finding out that popcorn is actually a healthy food option. However I'm not talking about the kind dripping in butter and comparable to a salt lick.
I have to say... I was a bit surprised when I ran across this information from Men's Health "After comparing the portions researchers reported that an ounce of popcorn packed up to about 300 mg of polyphenols—almost twice as much of the same antioxidant as found in an ounce of fruit (160 mg)."
