5 Surprising Foods To Boost Your Energy Naturally

Feeling sleepy? Put down that Red Bull! We all need a jolt of motivation from time to time, but most mass-produced, energy-boosting substances can be harmful to the body… even your precious Venti Americano coffee.

Luckily, your perky friends at Scambook have found 5 tasty and nutritious foods that naturally raise your overall energy and get you ready for tough tasks.

Without flooding your system with synthetic chemical additives, these fruits, veggies and snacks will increase your alertness and concentration.

1. Dark Chocolate

If you’re craving sweets, dark chocolate is the way to go. Whether it’s bars, squares, kisses, or bark, a single serving of dark chocolate can perk you right up with a small amount of theobromine.

Theobromine is a natural stimulant, similar to caffeine, which is known to increase your energy and also improve your mood by affecting your endorphin levels. So go ahead and indulge.

2. Cardamom

Indian food enthusiasts know this spice by its distinctive taste in rice, sauces, and chai tea. Whole seeds are often added to dishes to give them that strong South Asian flavor.

Cardamom is super flavorful and great for circulation, too.

Cardamom is known to help expand small blood vessels, improving your circulation and increasing your overall energy. Get your curry on or slurp a cup of hot chai for an instant boost.

3. Asparagus

Asparagus is chock-full of vitamins and fiber to aid digestion and overall health. Its supply of B vitamins helps you turn your food into fuel, and the fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Whether it’s sauteed with a little salt and pepper or sliced raw into salad, asparagus is a yummy and body-fueling essential to any healthy diet.

4. Sauerkraut

New Yorkers are very familiar with the siren call of a hot dog topped high with fresh sauerkraut. But beyond its tangy, mouth-watering taste, sauerkraut is also a powerful energy booster.

The fermentation of the cabbage produces probiotics, which help you digest food more efficiently and spare more energy.

Who knew fermented cabbage could taste so good, and be so good for you?

Not a fan of the German snack? Try some kimchi instead — the Korean side dish also features fermented cabbage and has the same positive effects.

5. Lemon Water

For a daily dose of electrolytes, lemons should be your main squeeze.

The simplest energy fix of all!

First of all, hydration is essential to keeping your body functioning at its highest possible level.

Drinking water helps flush your organs of toxins, which produces better organ function. 8 glasses a day can also help fuel workouts and help you lose weight. It also prevents dehydration, a significant cause of fatigue and poor focus.

For that added punch of perk, squeeze half a fresh lemon into a glass of ice-cold H2O. The lemon juice adds a strong dose of electrolytes to your drink, which are essential to maintaining energy levels.

This is a way better choice than a power drink like Gatorade, which cancels out its electrolyte content with tons of crash-producing sugar.

When in Doubt, Reach for Fresh Foods to Boost Energy

When you’re faced with a big project or a physical task, it’s tempting to overload your system with caffeine or an energy drink. But in the long run, chemicals and additives can have the opposite effect of slowing your system down and creating health issues.

Instead, try one of these natural quick fixes which nourish your body while jump-starting your alertness levels.

Do you have any favorite natural energy boosters that we missed? Tell us in the comments!