Sugar gives us energy, right? Well, not good energy – plus it usually putters out eventually. Find some real energy boosters that will last below:
- Oatmeal – Do your best to get something in you before you head out the door in the morning! Breakfast is like fueling up your vehicle for the day – it is a must. Oatmeal is great for its long-lasting combo-fuel of fiber and complex carbs. The vitamin B in oatmeal also helps with energy. Back to my point about sugar – watch out for flavored oatmeal as it can have a bit too much sugar. Use natural sweeteners on regular oatmeal instead like brown sugar, honey or fruit.
- Almonds – Just a small handful of almonds pack a great energy boost. Not ideal for a meal but great for your “I’m starving” moments throughout the day. They contain the good kind of fats to keep you going plus calcium, protein, zinc & iron.
- Lean meats – Choose lean red meats if possible for the greatest source of protein, zinc, vitamins and iron.
- Yogurt – What a fantastic source of healthy, energy producing protein, calcium and magnesium! Another warning about the flavored options here – look for the non-flavored options on the lower shelves and add your own honey or fresh fruit as a sweetener.
- Bananas – besides helping with leg cramping, bananas are also a great source of energy. Their potassium, fiber, and vitamins prove more filling than most fruits.
Some other energy-packed foods include lentil beans, dark chocolate, peanut butter, brown rice, multi-grain bread, pumpkin seeds, oranges, apples, spinach, black beans, eggs, broccoli and sweet potatoes. Besides food, exercising, a good night’s sleep and compression stockings (check out Preggers) are great ways to boost energy during pregnancy.
What else has kept your energy up throughout pregnancy?
