Natural Forms of Energy

Coffee, energy drinks, supplements…it makes you wonder how our ancestors got anything done without them. Today we are going to be focusing on foods you can eat which are known for being great sources of energy. Iron is one of those great sources, and it can be found in a number of foods. Spinach, dark green leafy vegetables, beans, dried fruits such as raisins and apricots, as well as blackstrap molasses, iron fortified breads, pastas, and cereals are all good places to get iron.

B vitamins, particularly folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12, which are incidentally often found in energy drinks, can be consumed without all the added sugar and caffeine you’d get from a Red Bull. To get folic acid, leafy vegetables, orange juice, avocado, beets, broccoli, wheat germ, and some fortified cereals are your best bet. Getting vitamin B12 is a bit trickier if you are avoiding animal products, but it is often found in fortified foods such as cereal and pasta. There is some vitamin B6 in chickpeas, a baked potato with skin, prune juice, bananas, brussels sprouts, and spinach. The next time you are feeling a little low energy, grab some of these healthy foods rather than coffee or an energy drink, for a less sugary buzz.