The line between feeling energised after a cup of coffee, and landing in a zone of caffeine-induced jitters and skyrocketing anxiety, is dangerously thin. I would know, for I find myself straddling that line every single day, and inevitably succumbing to the latter result of too much coffee. Besides, while a cup of joe is great for a short, intense spurt of energy and productivity, it eventually depletes your natural reserve of energy, paving the way for a caffeine crash.
Before the Coronavirus pandemic took over the world, there was (and still is) another widespread disease most of humanity suffered from everyday. I’m talking about the ailment of overwhelming fatigue. You see, most of us initiated and proceeded to get stuck in a cyclic chain of too tired, a cup of coffee, some energy, more tired than before, another cup of coffee and repeat. And the same goes for sugary food and refined carbs. They give you the illusion of momentary energy, while actually leading you down a path of eventual exhaustion.
Bananas
Bananas fall under the category of the best energy-boosting foods, owing to their naturally high content of potassium, carbohydrates and vitamin B6. It is also common practice to consume a banana before a high-intensity workout or a gym session, considering their sodium, fat and cholesterol-free qualities despite which the fruit can rebuild muscle glycogen (carbohydrate) stores. They’re also an excellent post-workout snack to revive your energy and ward off exhaustion after exercise.
Carrots
Munching on a raw carrot is an excellent way to get some steady supply of energy. Carrots are packed with nutrients and minerals like Vitamin A, Biotin, Vitamin K, Potassium and Vitamin B6, along with quick-acting carbohydrates. These qualities make carrots a weight-loss-friendly vegetable that revives your body’s natural vigour. Carrots have also been linked to low levels of cholesterol, along with being a rich source of fibre.
Yoghurt
What makes yoghurt an excellent snack to fuel your energy is their high content of carbs in the form of simple sugars. These nutrients like lactose and galactose help supply natural energy upon being broken down by the digestive system. Yoghurt is also often recommended as a healthy snack to have after a workout, considering their generous protein content that helps kick-start the repairing of muscles, along with replenishing the energy you lost during exercise.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of the healthiest long-grain cereals out there in the food world, one that supplies you with stable, caffeine-free and long-lasting energy. In addition to having a rich content of vitamins and minerals that aid your body in producing feasible energy, oatmeal is also protein-packed, high in soluble fibres and also, fat-free. Since oatmeal takes time to get absorbed in the body, the energy you derive from its nutrients lasts a longer while, than caffeine-induced energy spurt.
Probiotics
Probiotics come under the most underrated caffeine-free energising drinks. An unhappy gut has been associated with adverse impacts on mood and energy, all of which can be combated by consuming probiotic drinks like Yakult, that are rich in gut-friendly bacteria. Healthy intestinal flora has also been found to be immensely helpful in the production of Vitamin B in your body, a nutrient essential to the process of energy production.
