Staying fit throughout the day is often a question of balance. But what foods should you favor when you're prone to those famous energy slumps or during events that require energy? An expert specializing in functional nutrition shares her own preferences.
When it comes to nutrition, we often talk about what foods to choose for weight loss, to get a good night's sleep, or to start your day off right. But how do you deal with energy slumps? Is the solution also on your plate? In Health Body Green magazine, functional nutrition expert "Jerry Hins" share what she eats to increase her energy every day. And her ideas are simple.
Proteins of plant origin: I am a Nutritionist
Since the human body produces energy at the cellular level, it is essential to obtain an adequate intake of minerals, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, amino acids and phytonutrients to lead a healthy life. According to the expert, the solution lies above all in vegetable proteins, capable of providing the body with the abundance of nutrients, fiber and, of course, the proteins it needs.
However, she points out that variety is key to reaching all nine essential amino acids and supporting cellular energy production. That's why she's taken to alternating between hemp seeds, plant-based protein shakes, beans, and nutritional yeast.
Dark chocolate
According to the expert, dark chocolate promotes energy levels and overall inner happiness. This is thanks to the flavonoids in chocolate, which are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, better cognitive function and reduced intestinal inflammation.
The expert never fails to add some to her daily life, whether in hot chocolate, in her oatmeal, in a smoothie, or even in truffles (sparingly).
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Nutrient-rich, colorful, and incredibly diverse, fruits and vegetables are of course essential for providing your body with the right mix of energy-producing nutrients it needs. Ximena Araya-Fischel believes there’s nothing like fresh, seasonal fruit to munch on as a snack throughout the day.
When it comes to vegetables, she invites everyone to be creative with seasonal vegetables if possible. Her choices include green smoothies, mushroom consommés, radish top pesto, black beans, etc., or even a vegetarian quiche to stock up on vegetables.