Nutrition
Published Sep. 29, 2023, 3:17 p.m. ET
Put down the carafe of coffee, extra large energy drink or sugary snack and consider these three natural energy boosters next time you’re struggling to keep your eyes open. In general, registered nurse Llinos Connolly from Benenden Health advises that everyone “try to eat three balanced meals a day, basing your meals on whole foods rather than ultra-processed foods which often contain higher levels of sugar and trans fats,” she told The Post in a statement. The health expert warned that although most people pour themselves a cup of coffee or crack open an energy drink to wake up, these drinks can cause your blood sugar to rise quickly triggering a large release of insulin, which later causes a sugar crash. Instead, she revealed the three common foods that provide natural and sustained energy to get you through the day.
Bananas
Grabbing a banana as you run out the door or adding one to a fruit smoothie is an easy and quick way to get yourself through the day. “Bananas are one of the best energy boosters there are and are often regarded as a brain superfood,” Connolly said. “They are packed with energy-rich carbohydrates, vitamin B6, and potassium. These ingredients help give you a natural sugar hit and replenish your body’s electrolytes, perfect for hydration and energy.” The fruit is also very easy to digest and provides nearly 10% of the daily recommended amount of fiber.
Oranges
Put down the coffee and pour yourself a glass of orange juice if you want a more sustainable wake-up. “Oranges are another fruit that can give you bundles of energy when you are feeling drowsy,” Connolly stated. “They are also a great electrolyte replenisher and high in vitamin C, which boosts fatigue-reducing collagen production.”
Oats
A warm bowl of oatmeal is a great breakfast option — cut up some bananas to top it off with some extra energy. “There’s a reason that oats are touted as one of the best breakfast foods to start your day,” Connolly noted. She explained that the grain is naturally packed with fiber and slowly releases glucose into the bloodstream, providing energy to be released gradually throughout the day. “What’s more, your energy levels won’t spike and crash as the oats balance out your blood sugar and leave you feeling fuller for longer,” the nurse said.