Tired of feeling tired? Try these easy science-backed fatigue fixes to get more energy and boost your metabolism.
There is one common denominator when it comes to increasing your energy and you have complete control over this ONE thing.
The food you eat is either contributing to GIVING you energy or it’s TAKING energy from you.
Giving you life or slowly killing you.
I don’t mean to be overly dramatic, but food really does have the ability to accelerate aging or slow the aging processes, like oxidative stress, free radical production, and metabolic health.
The best way to combat daily fatigue is to eat food that is scientifically proven to boost energy levels.
The Following 13 Foods Will Fight Fatigue And Boost Your Metabolism
Cucumber
The high water and mineral content of cucumber is largely responsible for its therapeutic cleansing and hydrating effects.
Cucumber is a good source of the mineral silica, a component of connective tissue found in the skin. This, combined with cucumber’s high water content, helps to keep skin cells well-nourished and hydrated. Cucumber can also be used topically to relieve various skin afflictions, including puffy eyes and sunburn. The vitamin C and caffeic acid in cucumber, which relieve inflammation and water retention, may explain why it is so effective for the skin.
Metabolism boosting nutrients: Vitamins B3, B5, C, K, beta-carotene, biotin, folate; calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, silica, zinc
Celery
Containing concentrates of many amazing therapeutic compoinds, just three celery stalks make up one of the five recommended daily porteions of fruit and vegetables.
Vital minerals can be lost in the sweat following exercise. Celery juice, with its high concentration of water, potassium, and sodium can help replace this loss of hydrating the body and restoring electrolyte balance. With its rich minerl content celery helps to normalize the body’s acid-alkaline balance. An acidic state caused by stress or eating low-quality foods can lead to numerous health problems. Celery contains coumarins, which enhance immunity and acetylenics, which fight cancer making celery a go to food for boosting metabolic rate and health.
Metabolism boosting nutrients: Vitamins B3, B5, C, E, K, biotin, folate; calcium, iodine, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, zinc; fiber
Shiitake Mushrooms
The king of mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms have an array of health and metabolism boosting properties.
A compounds known as lentinan not only stimulates the immune system, but recent research has shown it stimulates interferon, which has antiviral and anticancer properties and is used in Asian countries, like Japan to treat cancer, AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, and breast diseases. Eritadenine, another compound in shiitake mushrooms has been shown to reduce cholesterol, while tyosinase regulates blood pressure.
Metabolism boosting nutrients: Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, C; calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc; fiber; protein
Potato
Potatoes are inexpensive, versatile, and packed with health-giving nutrients.
Often demonized for their starchy, high carbohydrate content, potatoes are fattening only if fried in refined vegetable oils. A nutritional powerhouse, potatoes are loaded with metabolism boosting B-vitamins needed for energy metabolism, potassium which helps to regulate the elimination of fluid, and vitamin C, which boosts immunity. They also contain flavonoids, known for their anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as compounds called kukoamines, which regulate blood pressure.
Metabolism boosting nutrients: Vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6, C, K, biotin, folate; calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc; fiber; protein; carbohydrate
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes add taste, valuable nutrients, and color to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in between.
Sweet potatoes are best known for their rich concentration of beta-carotene, which is conerted into vitamin A in the body. This nutrient plays an important role in vision, bone growth, reproduction, and keeping the lining of the digestive and respiratory tracts healthy. Sweet potatoes are loaded with potassium, which assists in maintaining electrolye balance for sustained energy all day. Despite having the word “sweet” in its’ name, they can assist in insulin sensitivity and with stabilizing blood sugar. Controlling your blood sugar and insulin levels is a major contributor to keeping a fast metabolism
Metabolism boosting nutrients: Vitamins B1, B3, B5, C, E, beta-carotene, biotin, folate; calcium, iodine, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc; fiber; protein; carbohydrate
Butternut Squash
This vegetable is a great source of energy-producing carbohydrates.
Butternut squash is particulary high in beta-carotene, which is conerted to vitamin A and needed for healthy skin and normal immune, digestive, and respiratory tract function. It also contains other carotenoids, including beta-cryptoxanthin, which may significantly lower the risk of lung cancer. Extracts from squash have also been found to reduce inflammation.
Metabolism boosting nutrients: Vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6, C, E, K, beta-carotene; folate; calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc; fiber; protein; carbohydrate
Banana
Loaded with beneficial minerals and nutrients, bananas are the perfect pre or post-workout snack to boost your calorie burn.
Concentrated in easily-digestible carbohydrates, bananas are valued for their instant and sustained energy boost. One of the best sources of potassium, they offer protection against high blood pressure and fluid retention and are particularly useful after a bout of diarrhea, which can cause electrolyte imbalance. Bananas are high in tryptophan, an amino acid that the body converts into serotonin, a brain chemical known to improve mood and encourage relaxation.
Metabolism boosting nutrients: Vitamins D2, C, beta-carotene, folic acid; calcium, copper, iodine, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc; fiber; carbohydrate
Dates
Whether fresh or dried, dates are full of natural sweetness, and make a much healthier snack than refined treats loaded with sugars, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners.
Dates are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without resorting to sugar. They are an excellent source of potassium, important for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, and are loaded with fiber, which helps regulate bowel function. The tannin content of dates provides them with an astringent effect, which is of particular benefit for intestinal problems such as diarrhea.
Metabolism boosting nutrients: Vitamins B3, B5, C, K, beta-carotene, biotin, folate; calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc; fiber; carbohydrate
Oats
For blood sugar maintenance, sustained energy, and killing cravings, there’s no better breakfast than a steaming bowl of cooked oatmeal.
The main feature of in oats is a soluble fiber compound called beta-glucan, which decreases the glucose and insulin response after eating. This action makes it beneficial food for those with pre-diabetes or diabetes. Oats also enhance the immune system and regulate blood pressure. They contain unique antioxidant compounds called avenanthramides, which prevent free radical damage, thereby offering protection against cancer and heart disease.
Metabolism boosting nutrients: Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, E, K, biotin, folate; calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silica, zinc; fiber; protein; carbohydrate
Quinoa
A true superfood, quinoa has an exceptional nutritional profile.
Quinoa is one of the only grains that contains all eight essential amino acids, making it a complete source of protein, normally only found in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. This means it’s an ideal protein source for vegans and vegetarians or for anyone that wants to increase their protein intake. Quinoa is also an excellent source of calcium and magnesium, which are needed for the bones, and iron, which prevents anemia.
Metabolism boosting nutrients: Vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6, E, folate; calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc; fiber; protein; carbohydrate
Lentil
Lentils are one of the best foods for balancing blood sugar levels.
With their low glycemic index and complex carbohydrate content, lentils can prevent energy slumps by sustaining blood-sugar balance. They are also an excellent source of insoluble fiber, which helps to improve digestive health, as well as soluble fiber which helps regulate cholesterol levels. In addition to providing sustaining fuel for energy metabolism, lentils help to combat fatigue by replenishing iron and B-vitamin stores.
Metabolism boosting nutrients: Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, E, K, beta-carotene, biotin, folate; calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc; fiber; protein; carbohydrate
Dark Chocolate
Craved more than any other food in the world, dark chocolate delivers several health benefits.
Studies have shown that dark chocolate, which has a high cocoa content, contains epicatechin and gallic acid, antioxidants with heart-protective properties. These compounds may have anticancer properties as well. Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine, an amphetamine-like compound that acts as a natural mood enhance, and theobromine, which is mild stimulant.
Metabolism boosting nutrients: Vitamins B3, B5, E, beta-carotene, biotin, folate; calcium, copper, iron, iodine, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, zinc; fiber; protein; carbohydrate
Coconut
One of the healthiest, thermogenic foods on the planet, coconut should be a staple in your healthy diet.
Coconut is high in medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are easily digested and metabolized by the body, and are used as an energy source rather than being stored as fat. The coconut water – the liquid inside young coconuts – is known to be one of the most balanced electrolyte sources in nature, making it a wonderful drink for exercisers.
Metabolism boosting nutrients: Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, E, folate; calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc; fiber; protein; carbohydrate; medium-chain fatty acids
We use these 13 foods and 99+ other superfoods to turbocharge your metabolism in our health and fat loss programs, like The 3-Week Metabolism Diet.
In fact, in just 3 short weeks, Ana T. lost 13 pounds with The Flat Belly System. Now she has more energy and that’s all WITHOUT consistent exercise.
If you’re still guessing and making hunches about what to eat, then I encourage you to take my 10-Minute Metabolism Audit (click the image below to download) to start your healthy metabolism journey.
Do you already eat any of these 13 foods? Do you have a question about a food you eat? Let me know in the comments!