Eating for Energy

By Amy Crelly

If you're anything like me, sometime between 3pm and quitting time, you find yourself slumping at your desk and craving either a nap or a super-sized blended mocha with extra-whip and an added double shot! Summer seems to be full of temptations for that short-term energy fix, but it's also the perfect time to choose wisely and start practicing healthier eating habits. Here are a few ways to fuel up with foods that will really sustain your energy (instead of setting you up for a crash):

Choose whole foods 
Take advantage of the summer season and choose fresh and healthy fare that’s as close to nature as possible. (Translation: avoid processed foods, which generally sap your energy in the long-term.) Peel an orange instead of cracking open a juice carton; throw some fresh fish on the Bar-B instead of eating the battered stick variety; and choose brown rice or whole-grain breads and pastas (avoid those labeled “white,” “enriched” or “refined”). For the best nature has to offer, visit your local Farmers’ Market.

Mix it up!
Try to get a healthy mix of protein, fat and carbs in every meal to help your body metabolize its fuel better. Fruits and veggies offer the best source of simple carbohydrates (five servings is the recommended daily minimum); they also offer fiber, which further steadies blood sugar levels and helps prevent that post-mealtime energy crash.

Feel mega-good, naturally
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential building blocks for healthy, happy brains. Fish, like wild salmon, are a great source of omega-3s. Fish also contain lysine, an amino acid which studies suggest also has a relaxing, anti-depressant effect on the nervous system. Most experts suggest at least a couple servings per week (with the caveat that pregnant women especially need to steer clear of contaminated fish). Other sources of omega-3s include raw seeds and nuts (walnuts especially), avocados, dark leafy greens, olive oil and flaxseed (and supplements).

Eat more often
When you go too long without eating, your blood sugar level plummets, which can make you tired, cranky, forgetful or spacey, not to mention ravenous with cravings for sugar-loaded junk! Snacking smart is the fix. These options maintain that carb-protein-fat balance in between meals: 
• 8-12 baby carrots with hummus for dipping
• a handful of raw almonds or walnuts mixed with another handful of raisins
• an apple (or pear) and cheese (string cheese or Babybel are quick, easy options)

Savor the flavor
Moms are genius multi-taskers, but treating meals like just another chore on your to-do list means missing out on one of life’s simplest and best pleasures. Breaking the fast-food habit can be tough, but remembering to unplug, slow down and really enjoy your meals means more smiles between bites!

Want more healthy summertime snack suggestions, plus tasty, mood-boosting, energy-packed (even kid-friendly!) meal ideas? Click over to our Online Extras and check out "Happier Meals"!