TOP TEN ENERGY FOODS…

If you need an energy boost to get you through the day then include some great foods into your diet. Fill up with the right foods and you will soon feel more energetic. Here are ten great energy foods to include in your diet.

1. Blueberries – I personally cannot get enough of them at the moment. They are so delicious in smoothies for breakfast or in a muffin as a treat or with some other fruit with cream as a dessert. Blueberries are low-calorie and help to stabilise blood glucose levels, as they slow down digestion. They are also in fighting premature ageing and help to fend off colds.
2. Spinach – another of my favourites which we have started buying frozen rather than fresh as they are quick to cook in the micorwave and taste just as good as fresh spinach. It is one of the most energising foods you can eat and contains iron which we all need in our diet.
3. Oats – I pop some in my smoothy or make a porridge both of which are delicious for breakfast. I also use them in cooking for myself and the kids. I make a mean flapjack with them, even though I say so myself. They are rich in B vitmains and are brilliant to keep your feeling energised.
4. Eggs – well who doesn’t like eggs and you can use them up is so many forms. They are considered a complete protein because they contain all of the nine essential amino acids,which means they do a great job of keeping you energised throughout the day.
5. Almonds – I only really got into almonds a few years ago but now have a handful regularly with my lunch and use in cakes. They say snacking on these in an afternoon can be a real pick-me-up. These are also high in B Vitamins which help to perk you up instantly.
6. Quinoa – this can hep you recharge your body’s batteries with this superfood which is rich in magnesium and is also high in fibre, protein and iron to help put a spring into your step.
7. Avocado – and yet another of my favourites which I enjoy for breakfast/and or lunch on a piece of toasted rye break, yummy. It is high in protein which will help you to feel fuller for longer and has omega 3 fatty acids which will give you concentration a boost.
8. Bananas – another of my baking products. I bake a chocolate and banana loaf cake for my kids on a regular basis and my granddaughter will only eat my recipe !!!! They contain complex carbohydrates, fibre and B vitamins. Also great in a smooth.
9. Ginger – Ginger can really ramp up your energy levels. A strong ginger biscuit and a cup of tea will make you feel energised instantly. It is good for lowering blood-sugar levels in diabetic patients, which helps to increase energy levels and the antioxidant gingerols in the spice also help to fight inflammation and increase immunity. A must at the moment.
10. Kidney Beans – They are full of fibre, which keeps hunger pangs at bay and help to banish blood sugar levels and can be added to lots of dishes including chillie, soups, stews and curries.