provided by Jumpstart OutdoorTraining 

Afternoon energy slumps are a sign of poor adrenal function; poor metabolism of carbohydrates and sugars, natural or otherwise; as well as nutrient depleted foods. Reduce your intake of sugar, caffeine and dairy foods at lunch and opt instead for brown rice, legumes, yams and sunflower seeds. Snack on sprouted seeds too for a quick pick-me-up.   

Top Energy Foods

Sprouts – All types

All types of sprouts are high-energy, life-enhancing foods that help improve, revitalize, strengthen and regenerate your body. They contain a high concentrate of antioxidants as well as all the trace minerals, plus protein, enzymes and fibre. When seeds are sprouted, their nutritional power swells. 

Grains

Grains release sugar slowly and give you a steady flow of energy instead of a high followed by a low. They are also a good source of B vitamins, which are needed to assist the spleen, your energy battery. Without the B’s you will definitely need a ‘jump start’

Oats

Oats are not only packed with energy nutrients but they help keep blood glucose levels at an even keel to maintain concentration and alertness. Enjoy a bowl of porridge in the morning for the perfect release of sustained energy throughout the morning. 

Parsley

Parsley is a nutrient powerhouse. It contains high levels of vitamin B12, more vitamin C than citrus fruits and just about all other known nutrients. 

Seaweed

Seaweeds are the highest digestible source of all minerals as well as energy boosting vitamins B and C. 

Vegetables

The range of B complex vitamins, plus the energy nutrients magnesium and iron, can be found in fresh green (preferably raw) vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus and spinach.  

Peaches

Peaches have a high water content and have a laxative effect. They are wonderful in alkalinising the blood stream and can be used to regulate the bowel and build blood. Peaches are one of the best energy fruits because the body assimilates them very easily, giving an instant boost. They are also great in helping eliminate toxins from the body and are a good food to eat on a weight loss program. 

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds, or linseeds, contain abundant levels of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids  (EFAs) and in prefect balance.  

Sunflower Seeds

The sunflower seed is packed with magnesium, iron, copper and protein, vitamin B Complex, EFAs, zinc and iron, and is an excellent source of protein. Get into the habit of carrying sunflower seeds around with you for when you need an instant energy pick-me-up. 

Grapes

The therapeutic value of grapes is thought to be due to their high magnesium content. Magnesium is involved in the first stage of the process that converts energy to glucose. 

Yams and Squashes

Yams are packed with energy minerals and loads of vitamin C. yams are also detoxifying and balancing to hormone and blood sugar levels, ensuring that your energy supply is constant. Squashes motivate the circulation of energy meridians, especially strengthening digestive function. 

Wheat Grass

Wheat grass is a rich nutritional food that looks like grass and contains one of the most prolific arrays of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. It contains 25 times the nutrients of your choicest vegetable. 

Mung Beans

To feel full of beans means you are bursting with energy. And that’s just what mung beans can provide you with: bags of energy.

Source: You Are What You Eat by Dr Gillian McKeith