5 Energy Giving Foods That Are Better Than Coffee

Feeling sleepy? Without resorting to grabbing a cup of coffee, here are five foods that can keep you awake and energized throughout the day.

1.    Fruit and nuts

This organic combo is great for keeping hunger pangs at bay while giving you an energy boost, according to Health.

It doesn't matter what fruits you pick. Women's Health says the sugar content should not be feared they won't make your raise your blood sugar to unhealthy levels.

Citrus fruits such as oranges contain vitamin C which helps in circulating the oxygen around your body, giving your brain a much-needed boost when feeling sleepy in the afternoon, Huffington Post explains. If you want to spice things up, add some chili on an orange wedge before taking a bite.

You can also grab a few dates to get you out of that energy rut. Dates are rich in sugar and fiber, giving you hours of energy without making you crash hours later.

Whether you like almonds, pistachios, walnuts or cashews, crunching on a bunch of these nuts will help you remain awake and alert while working.

2.    Greek yogurt

Women's Health Mag recommends choosing the low-fat version. A bit of fat is important to remain energized.

Add blueberries to give your snack a sweet taste. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants which help in keeping the neurons run smoothly.

Sprinkling a tablespoon of granola can also work. Health says the mix of dried fruit, grains and nuts adds texture to your yogurt while giving your body an energy boost.

3.    Seeds

Chia seeds, Fox News says, contain protein and omega-3 fatty acids which keep your muscles awake and fight inflammation. Besides being rich in antioxidants, chia seeds also contain a host of other minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium, encouraging your body to recover quicker even after performing strenuous exercises.

On the other hand, quinoa seeds contain magnesium and a total of nine essential amino acids. In addition to keeping you energized, eating a handful of quinoa seeds gives your serotonin a much-needed boost, making you feel happier throughout the day.

4.    Beans

Planning to cut down on your consumption of meat? Give beans a try.

Beans are rich in protein and the healthy type of fat. Add a few black beans or kidney beans to your favorite meal or snack to make you feel less sluggish says the Huffington Post.

5.    Broccoli

These bushy vegetables may be small, but they are packed with vitamin C, iron, fiber and antioxidants among others. It also contains chromium which aids in controlling your blood sugar levels.