When it’s halfway through the day and it’s as if your body just flashed a “low battery” message across your tired mind, you know it’s time for a little pick-me-up. Like most people, your go-to energy boost is a heavily caffeinated drink that is practically sugar in a cup. Or maybe you’re prepared with a hidden stash of chocolates to enjoy in your drawer. These tricks and treats usually get the job done when it comes to providing an extra push to get you through the rest of the afternoon...
But once the caffeine wears off and you come down from your sugar high, you’re left with an awful feeling of jitters, that anxious trimmer in your hands that makes you fidget and drop your car keys on your way out the door. We’ve all been there far too many times.
It doesn’t have to be that way though. There are so many other options of natural energy boosters that won’t mess with your nerves or leave you feeling crummy. When you’re in need of jumpstart, the following list of alternative power snacks will get you going without the jittery aftermath.
#1 Matcha Green Tea
An important element in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha green tea is a great choice when you need to get your body moving and it also has a number of benefits for your health. Like all green teas, matcha tea is derived from the Camellia sinensis tea plant, and it packs a mean punch because of a special amino acid called L-theanine.This nutrient combined with a little caffeine makes matcha an excellent substitution for coffee or other caffeinated beverages. The calming nature of L-theanine balances out the caffeine and causes you to feel energized but relaxed. Studies have shown matcha tea can increase alertness, concentration and cognition.
Matcha tea is also rich in antioxidants that can prevent certain cancers, such as bladder cancer. It also has the ability to reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
#2 Medjool Dates
Considered “nature’s power fruit”, medjool dates are a delicious afternoon snack that will satisfy your craving for something sweet and rev up your engines. Their natural sugars pick you up but keep you from crashing soon after you’ve indulged.Medjool dates, caramel-like in taste and texture, are wonderful sugar substitutions as well. But they’re not only a yummy treat to lift your energy levels, they can also help to improve your overall health.
This power fruit can help reduce your risk for heart disease by lowering your cholesterol. They are also rich in calcium which makes for healthy bones. And even further than that, medjool dates contain phytochemical nutrients that cause a number of perks for your well-being, including aiding your immune system, reducing inflammation, preventing DNA damage, and regulating hormones...to name a few.
#3 Cold-Pressed Juice Shot
Another natural energy booster that won’t put you on edge is a cold-pressed juice shot. The two ingredients that act together to rejuvenate your body are turmeric and ginger. This combination is chock-full of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants that cleanse your system and help your body absorb them.Turmeric has a chemical compound in it that increases the levels of the growth hormone in your brain which then boosts your brain function and your ability to focus. Ginger helps with blood circulation, which also helps in brain function, concentration and attention.
A cold-pressed juice shot clears out toxins from your liver, kidney and skin. For this reason, your body instantaneously digests the nutrients and you can feel a sudden jolt of energy. Other benefits of a turmeric and ginger juice include reduced inflammation, relief of chronic pain or nausea, and a higher functioning immune system.
#4 Mushroom Tea
Unrelated to the magical psychedelic variety of mushroom, this new kind of tea is making its way into every major health food store. Mushrooms have always been on the radars of health experts around the world for a long time and even posed for studies that led to the production of certain human medicines.There are four types of mushrooms used to make this trendy tea. Reishi, known as the mushroom of immortality, can protect you against illness. Lion mane mushrooms help your cognitive function, and relieve depression and anxiety.
Chaga mushrooms help fight against the free radicals we are exposed to every day. However, cordycep mushrooms are probably the best out of the four to replace your morning coffee as they improve the way your body delivers oxygen to your brain.
Similar to green tea powders, mushroom tea can be brewed in hot water and consumed on its own, or mixed with other ingredients (which is said taste a whole lot better). Bottom line is mushroom tea alleviates stress and increases concentration, and boosts your energy while causing a calming effect. Other health benefits include controlling your blood sugar levels and preventing cancer.
#5 Walk Outside in the Sun
Sometimes all you need is to get up and get out. A good old-fashioned walk outside in the sun never fails to get the blood pumping to tell your brain to wake up. Stretch your legs, soak up some vitamin D, and give your mind a little break.We all know sunlight has a positive effect on our bodies. It can lower your blood pressure, improve bone health, promote brain function, ease the effects of depression, and the list goes on and on.
If it’s been a long day, go for a nice walk in the sunshine and take the time to soak it all up. You deserve it.
