4 Plant Based Food Groups Good for Raising Energy Levels
Read most any article about increasing energy levels to adequately support your workout sessions and it will likely tell you that the number-one thing you should do is eat more protein—usually in the form of lean meat. As a vegetarian, this type of advice can be rather discouraging, potentially leaving you to wonder how you can put more pep in your step during your fitness routines without completely abandoning your eating lifestyle.
The good news is that you don’t have to. There are many energy-enhancing foods that are plant-based and therefore meat-free. This gives you more than enough ways to feel more alive as you set out to live a healthier life centered on increasing your level of movement.
1. Nuts
One study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that not getting enough magnesium in your diet can adversely affect your energy needs as well as your cardio function when engaged in high-intensity activities. Can you guess what foods are high in this mineral? Nuts!
Brazil nuts are super high in magnesium, coming in at 500 mg per cup (almost double your recommended daily amount). Almonds, hazelnuts, and pine nuts are great options to consider, too.
Try: ROASTED CHOCOLATE CINNAMON ALMOND BUTTER
2. Beans
Another nutrient important for energy is iron. However, sadly, the World Health Organization indicates that a deficiency in this nutrient “is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world,” affecting as much as one-third of the worldwide population.
To ensure that you get enough iron without eating meat, concentrate on consuming more beans. The ones with the most iron per cup include soybeans, lentils, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans.
3. Fruit
Fruit works especially well for energy if you engage in a lot of high-intensity cardio workouts because of the simple sugars it contains. Pre workout, it can give you the push you need to make it through your exercise session. Post workout, it helps restore your energy levels so you don’t spend the rest of the day feeling like you’re dragging.
Natural News published a list of the most beneficial fruits when it comes to energy and these include apples, bananas, strawberries, pineapple, papaya, and oranges. Add these to your diet then and watch your energy explode!Try: RAW VEGAN CHOCOLATE BANANA TRIFLE
4. Veggies
Of course, one cannot mention plant based energy enhancers without discussing vegetables. Between the many different nutrients each one provides to enhance overall body function, there are a couple that stand out as offering just a little bit more when it comes to energy. According to LIVESTRONG, these include spinach (high in iron) and sweet potatoes (a great source of healthy sugars).
If you’re busy and on the go, or simply looking for various ways to increase this food group into your diet, juicing is always an option. In addition to making you feel more alive, getting your veggies in beverage form can have additional benefits. For instance, a post on Intent Blog shared how one woman used this method of preparation to help her get rid of her skin disease. Bonus!
Try: PALAK VEGAN ‘PANEER’
Stick to these four plant-based food groups and you’ll have more than enough energy to sustain an active lifestyle. Get ready to reach all of your health and fitness goals once and for all.
-Article written by Sara Upton
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