Improve Energy and Motivation Through a Healthy Diet

Improve Energy and Motivation Through a Healthy Diet by Cora Gold

Do you ever feel like you’re moving slow at work or quickly lose energy after your morning cup of coffee? You sit watching the clock just waiting for the day to be over. Simply wishing your life away is no proper way to live — you should be actively enjoying it. Eating better and changing your diet to include foods that improve energy and motivation will get you through the day and achieve your personal and professional goals. There are ways to improve energy and motivation.

Food is the best fuel for your body. If you’re hungry, you likely won’t be able to focus. Speak with your doctor before changing your eating habits completely, but be open to trying new, healthier things.

How to Power Your Way Through Anything

Having the right food in your body will prepare you to tackle the day. Have you ever noticed how sluggish you feel when eating processed or fast foods? You might find that eating more wholesome items will better fuel your body and make you feel more productive.

Even ailments like anxiety and depression can be lessened by changing your diet. If you feel it’s difficult to crawl out of bed, show yourself some self-care by nourishing your body with the right food. Eating too much sugar can be harmful, and your oscillating blood sugar can mimic anxiety symptoms, leaving you in a worse mental state.

The right foods can give you the natural energy you need to make it through the day. Unfortunately, it takes more time to cook and prepare your food than it does to pull up to a drive-thru window, but it can also be cheaper. Fresh ingredients might be a bit more expensive initially, but when you reduce eating out at restaurants and make extra servings for yourself later, cooking on your own is more budget-friendly.

Simple carbohydrates and sugars can give you the boost you need for an afternoon pick-me-up, so you shouldn’t rule them out entirely. However, because they are only intended to improve energy and motivation in the short term, they are not enough to sustain you all day. Whole foods will keep you feeling fuller longer and allow you to focus on your goals. That way, you can complete more work and be able to relax at home.

Related: Mompreneurs: Four Instant Motivation Tips

Here are a few ideas for energy-packed foods to add to your daily diet:

1. Bananas

Bananas have been a staple in many diets for centuries. They provide potassium and magnesium to boost your health. Fruit can keep you focused, as it isn’t as heavy as other forms of carbohydrates, so you likely won’t feel that midday slump after eating one.

Many people don’t like the consistency of bananas, but they can still consume them and reap the benefits without eating them in their natural state. Consider blending bananas and other fruits into a smoothie — that way, you can receive all your antioxidants and nutrients while reducing the fruit to a liquid state.

2. Hummus

Hummus, made from chickpeas, is excellent for a snack, appetizer, or even a meal. Chickpeas are packed with protein and carbohydrates, making them a superfood that can keep you focused on the things that matter — like work or other responsibilities — all day. You can make your own hummus by mashing chickpeas and adding whatever you like to it, such as garlic or roasted red peppers. Eat it with pita chips or vegetables.

Related: Mompreneur Motivation Tricks to Keep You Going Strong

3. Fish

Fatty fish is one of the healthiest foods you can eat to keep your productivity up. They are a great source of protein and omega-3s, leading to overall heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Fish can be eaten at any time of day, so you can enjoy lobster hash for breakfast and dine on roasted salmon for dinner. If you want to eat healthily without giving up a good source of protein, look no further than the sea.

4. Eggs

They aren’t called the “incredible, edible egg” for nothing. These small items pack a punch of nutrients within their shells, especially in the yolks. However, it’s OK to eat just the egg whites if you want to stick to something lower in calories.

Eggs are fantastic because they hold enough protein to help get you through the day without worrying about an empty stomach — which is why they’re the ultimate breakfast food. Additionally, you can try various methods of preparing them to see what you like best. Scrambled eggs are beginner-friendly, while something like eggs benedict might take a bit more practice. But mixing up the way you cook them will ensure you don’t get tired of eating them. 

5. Beans

Beans are a cheap staple for any pantry, making them one of the most affordable superfoods. The variety means you’re bound to find a type of bean that suits your tastes. They are rich in fiber and can reduce several types of chronic diseases. Your likelihood of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and more can lessen thanks to eating your beans.

Black beans go great in any form of taco or burrito. You can buy them canned, rinse them off and eat them as a side for any meal. They’re a simple and fast way to improve your diet and keep you feeling full and healthy.

6. Avocados

Avocados are famous for being a “healthy fat.” These superfoods have multiple vitamins and can help you feel full for a long time. You can mash the avocado into guacamole, but there are many other ways to get a taste of its potential. Consider making avocado toast — whole-grain or whole wheat bread, a ripened avocado, and whatever other toppings you like — to see how long it keeps you full and ready to work.

7. Water

Humans need water to survive. You may be surprised at how vital it is to your body’s function. Starting your day with a glass of water is a great way to help you wake up. Aim for at least eight cups of water per day, though the proper amount you should be drinking depends on your age, height, weight, and activity level. Cut out sodas or other sugary drinks and replace them with water instead.

Eat Healthy to Improve All Areas of Your Life

Often, it seems like people only care about what they eat when they’re trying to lose, gain or maintain weight. However, what you consume goes beyond your physical appearance. Eating right can reduce your risk of developing severe illnesses, and it can help you feel mentally well and energized, too. Make substitutions slowly, and before long, you’ll improve your energy and motivation.