energizing foods

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We've all been there. Mid-afternoon hits and we are ready to hit the sack. That post-lunch laziness sets in but there are still hours of work left. Many folks reach for a cuppa Joe, and that caffeine kick does the trick. The rest of the day is manageable thanks to that much-needed pep. But what if coffee isn't your thing? Slug it down, or find something that tempts your taste buds as it provides that energy surge to get your engine running? The latter seems logical, so here are some coffee alternatives that will get you over that mid-day slump, leaving you super-sharp and alert.

Coconut Water

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Refreshing and slightly sweet, nature's coconut water is a pleasing pick-me-up that is natural and light. One reason you may feel tired mid-day can be due to dehydration. According to WebMD, coconut water is, "super-hydrating, with more potassium than four bananas." It is low in sugar, so you will not suffer that spike and crash like you might with super-sugary sodas and juice drinks.

Trueself recommends drinking coconut water straight up or making a tasty coconut water-based smoothie. "Mix 1 cup of coconut water with 1 cup of berries and ½ banana. Top with coconut flakes." Make one at home before work and keep it in the office fridge for when you feel that slump surfacing. A few sips and you're good to go 'till closing time.

Matcha

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Withmatcha, mid-day slumps have met their match. Go for the green stuff and you'll be on "go" until it's time to go home. According to Dr. Axe, "Matcha is an excellent alternative to coffee. A two-gram serving contains enough caffeine to give you an energy boost and is delivered slowly to your body over a period of 6-8 hours." No jitters, only steady and reliable energy to make every workday moment count. Sip some throughout the day and you will never be sidelined by a sudden slump.

What makes matcha so magical? As Trueself explains, "Matcha contains L-Theanine, an amino acid that stimulates alpha brain waves, and the EGCg content revs up your metabolism."

Maca

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Maca is amazing when it comes to giving you a boost without the buzz. Livestrongexplains that maca root offsets the symptoms of adrenal fatigue, which "causes the adrenal glands to slow down and function at a less than optimal rate, causing extreme tiredness and a general feeling of malaise. Maca can be found as a whole food, powder, liquid, tablet, or capsule." It is versatile and proven effective.

As per Trueself, maca tastes buttery and nutty, making it a nice addition to a simple smoothie. Whip one up in the morning and let maca's magic keep you energized and on-the-ball from sunrise to sunset. Check out this easy-to-make maca milkshake recipe courtesy of Trueself, made with milk, fruit, cashew butter, and maca powder. An energy-boosting blend.

Apples

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An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but did you know it keeps Mr. Sandman at bay too? According to Shape, "A simple apple is a great energy-boosting, mid-afternoon snack. Full of vitamin C, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, an apple can deliver a boost of energy and stabilize blood sugar."

As Stemiltsimply explains, "You don't need expensive supplements or drinks for energy. It you're perpetually dragging, get more sleep and eat healthy, fresh food." The crisp and juicy snack is portable and delicious. And remember to stick to the whole fruit rather than juice which can have lots of added sugar that will bring you down as fast as you spiked.

Dark Chocolate

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Chocolate, you had us at hello. But aside from dark chocolate's decadent taste, it can be a nice mid-day slump stumper too. As long as you keep your portion size in check, you will avoid over-indulging yet get the pick me up you are after.

According to The Hearty Soul, "It contains antioxidants that will give you energy. Make sure that it's dark chocolate, as milk chocolate contains added sugars which may give you an initial feeling of more energy, but will result in a crash in all likelihood, with a net result of feeling more depleted than before you ate it."

For even more snacks with a caffeine kick, check out five recommended by Topdust. From peanut butter to popcorn, these caffeine-infused treats are unique and energizing.

When you're not crazy for coffee, energize with an alternative.

PayPath
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You may have recently seen PayPath's The A, B, Cs to All-Natural Mind-Boosting Foods. Avocados, blueberries, and celery are not only super-healthy, but they contain properties that keep our minds going strong all day for a workday that is as productive and successful as it can be.

Mindless munching on candy and other junk may make you think you're energizing yourself, but the inevitable crash, not to mention the unwanted pounds you'll pack on only prove that going healthy is the best way to fuel for focus.

These next 3 foods - D, E, and F – will give you more noshing options when you need to stay sharp and steady all day. All-natural is all you need for stamina that sticks.

Dark Chocolate

Now we're talking! Grab a small portion of real dark chocolate with a high percentage of cacao (cocoa). As per Healthy Eater, the more cacao in the chocolate signifies that there are more flavanols present. Flavanols have been found to "improve cognitive function."

Healthy Eater recommends Pascha Chocolate, which is organic and non-GMO. Cacao percentage runs from 55% - 85%.

If you are seeking to satisfy your sweet tooth and boost your brainpower, there's nothing like a piece of dark chocolate to hit the spot!

Eggs

When you need to get crackin' at work, go for an egg or two for breakfast or lunch. According tomindbodygreen, eggs are "rich in choline, the precursor chemical for acetylcholine, one of the most fundamental neurotransmitters." Additionally, the cholesterol in eggs is important for brain cell membranes and works as a protective antioxidant.

Some people have worried that eggs are no good for their health, but as per the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, "Eating one egg a day was not associated with an increase in heart risks."

So go on and enjoy that toasty egg sandwich for breakfast, a hard-boiled egg as a mid-day snack, or an omelet with veggies for lunch. You'll stay on top of your work all day long and get a healthy dose of protein too.

Fish

Oily fish like salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, and trout are brain-boosters (and they're tasty too!). As per goodfood, "The most effective omega-3 fats occur naturally in oily fish in the form of EPA and DHA. These fats are important for healthy brain function, and sufficient levels of both EPA and DHA is thought to help us manage stress." And who's not stressed out at work at least some of the time?

Order poached or grilled salmon for lunch out with co-workers or toss a few sardines into a fresh salad for an oily fish fix. Fish is heart-healthy and great for an all-natural mind-boosting meal.

Eat for natural nourishment of the body and mind. Stay tuned for more brain-benefiting foods to come!