Need more energy?
Okay, silly question. It’s more like, what woman doesn’t need more energy?
When you’ve got:
- A job to manage...
- Kids to juggle…
- A home to keep...
- Pets to take care of...
- Meals to cook...
You don’t have the luxury of taking a day off (or even taking a nap) when you’re tired.
We all know that too much caffeine from coffee and energy drinks can have some nasty side effects (especially regarding fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding). But most people don’t know there are healthy, all-natural alternatives to caffeine to give you the energy boost you need.
To start your day with a natural jolt of energy, here are six delicious and energizing breakfast ideas that incorporate seasonal fall ingredients:
Dark Chocolate Quinoa Porridge (Vegan)
Recipe & Photo Credit: https://minimalistbaker.com/dark-chocolate-quinoa-breakfast-bowl/
Quinoa is rich in iron and magnesium, both of which are key nutrients for energy regulation. It’s also high in protein (8 grams of protein in every cup!) and low in fat, making it a fantastic food at any time of day.
This quinoa porridge is topped with dark chocolate, a natural stimulant, mood-enhancer, and great source of antioxidants (not to mention delish!) Take it to the next level and sprinkle on some pumpkin seeds, which is one of the richest sources of energy-regulating magnesium available.
Note: The dark chocolate and cocoa powder in this recipe add about 10 mg of caffeine per serving. To put that number in perspective, it’s roughly the same amount of caffeine as a 16-oz cup of decaf coffee. (16 oz of regular coffee has around 200 mg of caffeine.)
Butternut Squash Smoothie (Vegan)
Recipe: http://ohsheglows.com/2013/09/27/velvety-butternut-cinnamon-date-smoothie-for-two/
If you think putting butternut squash in a smoothie is weird, a) we’re with you, but b) we’re wrong. This velvety smoothie is so delicious! It’s basically fall in a glass.
Butternut squash is full of healthy carbohydrates give you a burst of energy. It’s also high in magnesium, which helps keep energy levels smooth. Cinnamon is an energy-booster too and contains a blood glucose regulator that helps your body release sugar as energy, rather than storing it.
If you want an extra dose of energy, you can blend in a teaspoon or two of maca powder, which helps balance hormones in addition to providing great energy. (Bonus!)
This tasty recipe is also refined sugar-free, so you won’t get a sugar crash later in the day.
Savory Oatmeal with Hummus and Veggies
Recipe and Photo Credit: https://rootandrevel.com/savory-oatmeal-breakfast-bowls/
If you want something warm and comforting on a fall morning but don’t like sweets, you’ve gotta try savory oatmeal!
Oatmeal’s high fiber content gives you lasting energy and fills you up in the morning. And the best part: you can top with whatever flavors you like!
The recipe above suggests sautéed veggies and a poached egg, which sounds delish. But a vegan combo we love even more is hummus and roasted veggies.
For fall, try adding seasonal vegetables like brussels sprouts, roasted pumpkin, or flavorful root veggies like carrots, beets or parsnips. Sautéed high-iron spinach will add even more natural energy to the breakfast.
Hummus has high fiber and protein to stabilize blood sugar and boost energy. Plus...it’s hummus. ‘Nough said.
Almond Butter Apple Bites (Vegan)
Recipe and Photo Credit: https://paleoleap.com/apple-almond-butter-bites/
This simple breakfast is perfect for busy mornings when you need to eat on the run.
Apples are high in fiber and take longer to digest than many other fruits, which give you a more prolonged energy lift. Some even say that an apple can give you more sustained energy than a cup of coffee!
Almonds contain magnesium and B vitamins that help convert food to energy, as well as copper and manganese that keep energy flowing throughout the body. Spread some raw, unsalted almond butter on the cored apple slices for an easy grab-n-go breakfast.
Add whatever healthy topping you have on hand. Try shredded coconut for sweetness, dark chocolate for extra energy, or dried cranberries for fiber and a tart twist.
Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon (Paleo)
Recipe and Photo Credit: https://aggieskitchen.com/scrambled-eggs-with-smoked-salmon/
This is a great breakfast for days when you want something really hearty. The high protein content is key for fueling you up for a busy day.
Eggs are a complete protein, with over 6 grams per large egg. They’re also great sources of vitamin B (to help turn the food we eat into energy) and vitamin D, which many women are deficient in. Vitamin D deficiencies are linked to chronic fatigue, so make sure you’re getting enough!
Salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids (which supports a healthy pregnancy.) It also contains vitamin B, niacin, and riboflavin, which all help boost energy.
Instead of pairing the scrambled eggs with toast, try simple roasted sweet potato home fries instead. Fiber-rich sweet potatoes provide more nutrients than bread, and their complex carbs slowly burn into fuel. Just chop up your sweet potatoes, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper, and roast in a 375-degree oven for 20-25 minutes, until tender.
Apple Cinnamon Red Lentil Porridge (Vegan)
Recipe and Photo Credit: https://food52.com/recipes/63156-apple-cinnamon-red-lentil-porridge
If you want to double down on fall flavors, this is the breakfast for you!
Fun fact: lentils are both a protein AND a complex carb. (Save that one for trivia night!) Combined with their fiber and iron content, red lentils are a perfect food to help you slowly release energy throughout the morning.
While most of us think of red lentils as being savory in flavor, this porridge recipe is lightly sweetened with a touch of maple syrup. It also features two fall favorites — apples and cinnamon — which both have energy-boosting powers of their own.
Bonus: Water, water, water
One cause of fatigue is dehydration. Not many people realize that our bodies become very dehydrated while we sleep.
Guzzle a big glass of water in the morning to start your day on an energized foot and make an effort to drink your 8 glasses throughout the day. Remember, a warm cup of pumpkin spice or apple cinnamon herbal tea counts towards your daily water quota, too; you don’t have to stick to just cold water!
Give it a try this week— your energy levels (not to mention your skin, organs, immune system, and more) will thank you.
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