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Why your pantry is the secret to better energy
Let’s be real: energy ebbs and flows. On some days, you’re going to feel on top of the world, and during crazy busy days or weeks, you might feel more tired and sluggish than usual. This is completely normal, but it doesn’t mean you need to “suck it up” and keep moving through your days dragging your feet
We’re all about natural fixes, so let’s dive into all things energy!
6 signs that you need an energy boost
There are so many reasons for lower energy levels, like going through a stressful time at home or work, not getting enough nutrients or dealing with a health condition that zaps your energy.
Here are some telltale signs that you could use an energy boost:
- You’re not sleeping well, or you’re waking up exhausted
- You’re feeling anxious, moody or irritable
- You’re experiencing brain fog or finding it hard to concentrate
- You’re getting headaches often
- Your appetite and/or libido has gone out the window
- You’re not feeling motivated
How to fight fatigue with food
The good news? Food is our body’s main source of energy, which means we can also use food to help us get back to better energy and THRIVE.
It’s so tempting to reach for a sugary treat or another coffee when our energy dips, but think of that as being in survival mode. You’ll get a hit of dopamine (aka the brain’s pleasure hormone) and feel good for a moment, but your blood sugar levels will come crashing down shortly after.
To fight fatigue and really thrive, focus on fuelling yourself with nourishing wholefoods. Foods that are close to their natural state release energy slowly, meaning you’ll skip the ride on the blood sugar rollercoaster and feel energised for longer.
These are the key energy boosting food groups:
Low GI carbs. For a slow, steady release of energy, swap refined carbs like white pasta and white rice for complex carbs.
Munch on: Steel-cut rolled oats, brown rice, wholewheat pasta, buckwheat, quinoa, sweet potato, pumpkin and lentils.
High quality protein. Aim to have protein at every meal and snack to keep you feeling satiated and top up your energy throughout the day.
Munch on: Eggs, oily fish, chicken, grass-fed beef, hemp seeds, tofu, tempeh, chickpeas and unsweetened Greek yoghurt.
Healthy fats. Along with keeping our skin feeling nice and plump, all those omegas are a form of slow burning energy and fill us up for longer.
Munch on: Avocado, salmon, ocean trout, walnuts, cashews, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds, and drizzle extra virgin olive oil on everything!
Fibre. Not only does fibre keep things movin’ and groovin’, but it also stabilises our blood sugars.
Munch on: Leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, blueberries, brown rice, quinoa, nuts, chia seeds, dates and coconut, and toss psyllium husk into your smoothies.
GoodnessMe tip: Don’t forget to drink water! It floods our cells with hydration so our body can do its thing, so keep your reusable bottle close. Sip on coconut water or jazz up your good ol’ H20 with electrolytes for bonus points!
With all those beautiful wholefoods on your plate, you’ll probably have less cravings for foods that drain energy. Think processed foods, trans fats, refined sugar and flour. Check out the GoodnessMe blog for more healthy swaps!
Our top energy-boosting foods
We all love a shortlist! These are the absolute best foods to naturally boost your energy, all available at GoodnessMe!
#1 I Am Grounded’s snack bars
Forget turning on the espresso machine (again…). I Am Grounded’s range of snack bars contain 20-60mg of caffeine naturally derived from whole coffee fruit, which is high in antioxidants and won’t leave you feeling jittery. These bars will give you a gentle energy boost, plus coffee fruit has a delish lemon-y, coconutty flavour – who would have thought! They ’re all vegan and gluten-free too, and perfect to stash in your bag or desk drawer. PS. The 10-pack bundle is on sale!
GoodnessMe note: The Espresso bar does contain Colombian ground coffee, so try to enjoy that one in the morning!
#2 Noya’s nut butters
Once you try these creamy nut butters, you’ll never go back! Noya handpicks the best nuts, and then dry roasts them to extract the richest, fullest flavour. Whether you’re a hazelnut, almond, pistachio or macadamia fan, all of the options are packed with protein, fibre and antioxidants to keep your energy levels high and your tummy happy.
Our advice? Grab the Nut Butter Bundle and try them all!
#3 Good Fish tinned Alaskan salmon
This isn’t your regular canned salmon. Caught in peak season, snap frozen, and hand-processed in certified organic olive oil, Good Fish’s salmon is the most premium option on the market. Get your dose of omega-3s whenever you need. We love throwing this into pastas and salads, whether we’re at work or need to put together a quick, easy dinner!
#4 Orgran’s buckwheat pasta
Turn your fav bowl of pasta into an energy booster with Orgran’s buckwheat spirals. They’re naturally wheat- and gluten-free, so they’re easy to digest and release energy nice and slowly. Buckwheat is also high in plant-based protein to keep you feeling satisfied for longer.
GoodnessMe tip: If you’re interested in protein pastas, check out Loka’s low carb protein pasta as well! With a whopping 17g of protein per serve, it’s made with lupin flour and eggs to get your energy up.
#5 Every Bit Organic’s EVOO
Olive oil is the GOAT, and Global Organic's extra virgin olive oil is a kitchen must-have. Thanks to the way it’s formulated, it’s retained all of its robust flavour and nutrients. It’s anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants and other natural energy boosters. Use this baby when you’re cooking at low heat, and whenever you need to dress salads, pastas and even soups.
Turn to natural energy boosters
When you’re feeling low in energy or just a little blah, load up your plate with these wholefoods. They’ll help to boost your energy and get you to feeling like yourself again.
Time to stock up! Head over to GoodnessMe to shop natural energy boosters now!