Five Foods to Fight Fatigue During the Workday

You know the drill: It’s 3 o’clock and the last thing your body wants to do is stay active. When those yawns, naps, and ‘nighty-nights’ are in your midst, it can be tempting to reach for any type of energy jolt. But your go-to, sugar laden, sweet treats, though effective in the short term, can wreak havoc on your health and lead to blood sugar drops later on.

We’ll show you five foods (and recipes) that will satisfy the body, reignite the brain, and ultimately lead to a healthier you!

Chia Seeds

Touted for their extensive nutritional content, these orbs of wonder can pack quite a punch. At approximately 4 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber per serving, they’re tiny enough to easily tote and can be sprinkled on just about anything; all without altering the flavor. It’s time you incorporate some seedy sass into your afternoon snack and get ready to get going’!

Try this: Cinnamon-Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

Ingredients:

1 cup non-dairy milk, any kind you like

3 tablespoons chia seeds

1-2 packets stevia

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 small pinch sea salt

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate. Serve chilled.

Coconut Water

Think sports drinks and sodas will keep you moving? Think again. With a surplus of sugar, artificial colors, and calories, the negatives make it easy to say ‘no, thank you.’ For a better alternative, try sipping on coconut water–a delightfully sweet beverage that’s low in calories and high in potassium. Staying hydrated is key to helping your heart work efficiently, and this liquid wonder is sure to do the trick.

Try this: Watermelon Coconut Agua Fresca

Ingredients:

1 (3 pound) seedless watermelon, cubed (about 5 cups)

4 cups (1 quart) coconut water

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (from 1 medium lime)

Directions:

Blend the watermelon and strain.

Add coconut water and lime juice.

Chill and serve cold.

Eggs

From Protein and Calcium, to Iron and Folate, this heart healthy food hosts an impressive list of nutrients. But if you think they’re only for breakfast, it’s time for a wakeup call. Hard boiling these beauties makes for a great portable option that can be eaten anywhere.

Try pumping up the flavor on a classic Deviled Egg recipe by adding some fun and fresh ingredients, like avocado. Now that’s something to get eggs-cited about…

Try this: Guacamole Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

6 large eggs, hard boiled

1 medium Haas avocado

2-3 tsp fresh lime juice

1 tsp red onion, minced

1 tbsp. minced jalapeno

1 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped

kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

1 tbsp. diced tomato

pinch chili powder (for garnish)

Directions:

Peel the eggs and cut them in half, setting the yolks in a separate bowl.

Mash 2 yolks and an avocado. Add in the rest of the ingredients, folding the diced tomato in last.

Scoop into egg halves and enjoy!

Peanut Butter

Forget the Reese’s, M&M’s and Snickers–we’re talking about the sweet, creamy treat sans candy. One serving of peanuty goodness not only replenishes your protein levels, but will give you a healthy dose of Manganese and Vitamin B-6. Can stand it on its own? Pump up the appeal by incorporating some natural sweeteners and pairing it with fresh fruit.

Try this: Peanut Butter Fruit Dip

Ingredients:

1 c. (heaping) plain Greek yogurt

½ c. peanut butter

¼ c. honey

¼ tsp. cinnamon (or a little more if you like)

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and serve with your favorite fruit or crackers.

Tuna

When it comes to the health and productivity of your brain, Omega-3’s are an absolute MUST. What better way to incorporate this essential fatty acid than through a quick and easy, seafood snack? Put a twist on the tired tuna sandwich by replacing the bread with cucumber and getting bonus health points!

Try this: Tuna Salad Cucumber Bites

Ingredients:

⅓ cup of homemade coconut oil mayo

⅓ cup of thinly chopped red onions

1 can of Wild Planet Wild Albacore Tuna

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp fresh ground black pepper

1 cucumber sliced

Directions:

Mix together everything but the cucumbers. Slice the cucumbers and add 1 tbsp of the mixture to make sandwiches.

Though your days may be long, and your energy low, there are ways to fight back. Give these foods a try and you’ll feel better in no time!

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