25 Energy Boosting Foods

Like the old saying goes, “you are what you eat.” We all have those weak moments where we don’t make the best food choices when it comes to what we put inside of our body. Those kind of decisions can result in weight gain, unhealthy skin and more importantly low energy levels throughout the day.

These 25 energy boosting foods will leave you feeling more energized and vibrant, giving you the nutrients your body and mind need, and having you say good riddance to those blah days for good. –mckenzie harris

1. Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Apples are packed with vitamins and minerals, as well as flavenoids and polyphenols (two powerful antioxidants). Enjoy them in a smoothie or bring them with you to snack on throughout the day .

2. Bananas

Bananas are a convenient source of potassium, which helps boost energy levels by maintaining normal blood pressure and heart rhythms.

3. Red Peppers

These veggies don’t just spice up your life. Bell peppers are full of Vitamin A and C (antioxidents with powerful skin and beauty benefits) and lycopene, which has been tied to lower cancer risks. You can eat red bell peppers raw, grilled, or even dipped in hummus.

4. Organic Dark Chocolate

Overly-processed, high sugar sweets can sap out B vitamin reserves, which play a crucial role in balancing energy throughout the day. So reach for one to two ounces of dark chocolate as an occasional treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. For the biggest energy boost, look for non-dairy, organic dark chocolate, which contains the highest percentage of antioxidants compared to other types of chocolate.

5. Pumpkin seeds

Tired of eating nuts? Pumpkin seeds are the lighter alternative that satisfy crunchy cravings, while delivering magnesium, iron, calcium, vitamin K and protein.

6. Carrots

Carrots are surprisingly sweet and packed with fiber, which will help you feel full between meals. As an added bonus, they’re packed with beta carotene, which helps to protect your eye sight.

7. Celery

Celery reminds us of the childhood snack combined with peanut butter and raisins, also referred to as “Ants on a log.” Lucky for you, it’s pretty much a miracle food when it comes to energy and health benefits. Quick and easy to digest, its packed with vitamins B and C and also helps balance potassium and sodium levels while reducing inflammation in the body.

Click here for the continued list of energy boosting foods on the Stylist.com .