What's foods should I eat for energy?

Well, ‘that depends’, is always the answer to this very common question. The damage done by a diet high in processed, packaged and take-aways foods will not be undone by throwing in a few super-foods as an afternoon snack. No single food will override the overall quality of your diet.

However, when it comes to eating for energy, there is one food group that, eaten regularly, will dramatically improve how you feel and how your mind and body function.

Generous portions of greens!

That could be 2 handfuls of baby spinach added to your breakfast shake, or maybe sautéed under your egg. Perhaps a handful of fresh cut herbs mixed through your cos lettuce, chicken and avocado salad at lunchtime. Or half a plate of steamed broccoli florets and asparagus spears dressed with olive oil and shaved parmesan cheese as a side order with dinner.

Why are greens so energising?

A diet with a healthy emphasis on a variety of colourful plant foods makes it almost impossible not to get what your cells need to make energy. And greens are the rock-stars of the plant world.

As you already know, vegetables are nutrient-rich in vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients essential for the literally millions of life-sustaining metabolic processes. When we are deficient in nutrients, our body adapts by down-regulating certain processes. For many of us, that translates into fatigue.

Greens are one of the most alkalising and nutrient-dense foods available and green leafy vegetables are your best source of the alkalising minerals calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Greens are also rich in fibre which offers a multitude of benefits, from improving the elimination of toxins, to helping stabilise blood sugar levels and leaving you feeling fuller for longer.

Fibre is also food for your beneficial bacteria naturally resident in your digestive system. Your health hinges on the health of your microbiome for these guys play a starring role in our digestive function, immune regulation, overall mood as well as energy levels.

Give it a go. Try whatever is easily doable for you, whether that means starting with just one meal this week. Or choose the easiest meal of the day, perhaps dinner, and consciously add a generous portion of greens, and feel your energy rise!