Healthy Energizing Meals
Our body absorbs, creates, and uses energy, even while we sleep. The food choices we make impact us even when we don’t realize it. Honestly, many of us are low-key, draining our energy sources more than we are refilling them.
An extra shot of espresso in your afternoon coffee or a sugary energy drink doesn’t quite cut it as a healthy pick-me-up. Sure, that energy provides a quick pick-me-up, but a heavy crash-and-burn follows it.
What Our Body Needs
Our brain and body need all three macronutrients to function correctly; proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
- 50% Calories From Complex Carbs
- 30% Calories From Healthy Fat
- 20% Calories From Protein
Carbs are made up of starch, fiber, and sugar. There are two categories of carbs; simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates seem to contain more sugar, while complex carbs contain more nutrients and higher amounts of fiber. Complex carbs are good and simple carbs are leaning more to the not-so-good side.
Breakfast
Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day. I see why; it provides you with the sustenance and energy you need to get the day going. If you’re not big on breakfast or feel like you don’t have time, maybe smoothies are the way to go for you!
Guacamole & Egg Breakfast Bowl
This filling breakfast bowl is packed with protein and flavor. Some might say it’s a breakfast salad, and that’s OK because it is.
Almond Cherry Smoothie
Smoothies like the almond cherry are an excellent option for those of you who aren’t big breakfast eaters. You still get all of the nutrients your body needs, they taste amazing, and the energy boost seems like a bonus. Another great thing about smoothies is the ingredients are incredibly interchangeable. You have to find some recipes that suit your taste or create your own.
Frozen Fruit Smoothies
Frozen smoothies are excellent for summer mornings. Usually, using frozen fruit means you can cut back on the ice. You’ll also notice that it has more of a milkshake consistency. Change the fruit combination to appease your taste buds and any vitamins or minerals you may need extra.
Oatmeal Casserole
Oatmeal is one of those hearty warm breakfasts perfect for Autumn or Winter. But it works for all seasons as well.
Enjoy it warm or cold. The batch makes enough that you can cut oatmeal casserole squares for the coming days.
Remember, you can change things up by changing the kind of fruit you use. I suggest swapping out the chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips. If you don’t use dairy, nut milk is an excellent alternative.
Lunch
Lunch should be topping your energy levels off so you can get the second part of your day. If you’re not into a big lunch, a smoothie will work here as well. Please be sure to use various ingredients so that you don’t miss out on any vital nutrients.
Grilled Salmon Cobb Salad w/ Ranch Dressing
You can make this salad fresh for a lovely afternoon lunch at home or grill up an extra slice of salmon for dinner and use it to pack lunch for the next day.
Salmon provides a healthy dose of protein, as well as healthy fat. If you consider all of the other delicious ingredients, you’ll see why it’s a great energizing lunch.
Italian Chicken Wrap
I’m partial because I love all kinds of wraps, so it’s already a winner in my book. This chicken wrap is light yet filling. If you’re not digging the ingredients, there are tons of lunch wrap recipes to choose from or build your own.
Green Goddess Sandwich
This refreshing Green Goddess Sandwich has so much going on, and yet, it’s still simple. The beautiful variations of the color green kind of feel like something you’d enjoy on a summertime picnic. Switch up the sauces to find your favorite and enjoy!
Green Monster Smoothie
Some people are put off when they see greens like spinach and kale in the smoothie ingredient list. Let me tell you; they taste incredible when paired with the right ingredients. The Green Monster Smoothie is a powerhouse of energy and nutrition to get you through all the after-school, after-work life.
Dinner
The last meal of the day is slightly different as it’s getting close to bedtime for many of you. Remember that the slow-released energy-producing foods will be there for you throughout the night and into the morning.
Carrot, Snow Pea, & Chicken Stir Fry
This stir fry is simple; at the same time, a lot is going on in terms of flavor and nutritional benefits. Every ingredient is bringing something extremely beneficial to the table. Including the citrus ingredients for the mojo adds some extra goodness.
Pesto Chicken & Cannellini Bean Soup
Pesto packs some valuable vitamins and minerals into this dish. The chicken is the base source of protein, with beans adding their bit plus some fiber.
Eating what’s right, often enough, is a crucial element to maintaining a healthy body system. It’s also a vital aspect for keeping a healthy weight for your body size.