Imagine that it is 2:30 p.m. on a Thursday; you are at work, exhausted, and in desperate need for a pick me up. Forget about going to your local convenient store to buy that energy drink. You do not need it. It is just going to give you a hard crash at the end of the day. Luckily, many different substitutes can give you the energy needed to make it through the day. So instead of the bitter tasting energy drink, try one of these 10 choices to give you that pick-me-up to make it through your day.

Quinoa

Are you looking for a healthy snack that is rich in amino acids and a perfect mid-day boost? There is none better than quinoa. Jam-packed with more protein than any other grain, quinoa cooked as a healthy side dish or even mixed with honey, berries, or nuts will make for a delicious breakfast. To make quinoa even more desirable, it is included in many weight loss recipes.

Whole Grain Cereals

Anything that contains whole grain can be the ideal energy boost, but here we focus on cereal. It is not only a wonderful breakfast but also the ideal snack in general. Whole grain cereals slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream, pumping you full of energy. What makes it even better is that it can lower blood cholesterol.

Eggs

Have you ever wondered why eggs are the number one breakfast foods? They are high in protein and heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. A good serving of eggs will keep you energized and prevent you from overeating.

Yogurt

Tasty and coming in a variety of flavors, yogurt is a great and cheap snack that will provide energy for your brain. The best part about yogurt is that you can add other healthy energy boosting foods such as nuts, various fruits, and granola to better the flavor.

Green Tea

Skip the coffee and the energy drinks for this wonderful drink. Naturally containing caffeine, green tea contains thymine, which keeps you focused and alert without all the jitters. A bonus is that it burns more belly fat than any other tea.

Tuna fish

There is no stressing this enough; tuna fish is extremely important for your body. It holds massive amounts of vitamin B and without vitamin B; your body would not be able to convert food into energy. Not only that, tuna also consists of thiamin, niacin, manganese, zinc and vitamin C. A three-ounce portion of cooked tuna provides you with 24.8 grams of protein. On a side note, tuna improves fertility and can greatly improve your mood.

Bananas

Anyone on a budget can afford a hand of bananas. That is one of the many reasons bananas are the perfect snack for an energy boost. They give you an instant pick-me up and contain high levels of glucose. Bananas also are packed full of potassium giving you a major boost to crush your workout. Great for keeping the cramps away, bananas are ideal for runners the night before a long race.

Dark Chocolate

Believe it or not, dark chocolate is actually healthy for you. Increasing alertness and attentiveness, dark chocolate serves as a wonderful and extremely tasty energy boost. You want a chocolate that contains at least 70% cacao. Remember, small doses only!

Cottage Cheese

Keeping you satisfied and full throughout the day, cottage cheese contains a slow acting protein that provides sustainable energy called casein. Add strawberries and other various fruits to keep your energy flowing. A major tip to keep in mind, moderation is the key. The sodium intake with cottage cheese may work against you.

Carrots

Carrots can come in numerous forms and are perfect for eating on the go with no prep time whatsoever. One of the most well known facts about carrots is that they contain high amounts of vitamin A, which keeps your eyesight sharp. Dipping carrots in hummus makes it an even better treat that will keep you energized all day long.

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Food for Energy

By: Cody Harris