If you kept awake – again – all night fixing problems or devising strategies for your business, but you can not give yourself a break from your busy schedule, consider at least eating some “super foods” .
These will help you increase your energy and concentration level, as well as decrease stress. They are also much more nutritious than, for example, a soft drink and a donut, common snacks for entrepreneurs. Take note of seven super foods and improve your diet today:
1. Salmon
This fish increases your lucidity. It contains high levels of Omega 3, substance related to the reduction of heart problems.
Salmon is a good source of protein that improves your alertness and performance, as well as overall brain health.
2. Almonds
These nuts are high in fiber, protein and healthy fats that help reduce levels of anxiety and include Vitamin E which is good for the skin. They also improve heart health and reduce the risks of some types of cancer such as breast and lung cancers.
Almonds prevent drastic changes in blood sugar and insulin, which means having less ups and downs while working.
3. Green
tea This tea is a good option to replace coffee. It has many antioxidants and catechin, components that help reduce the risks of heart disease.
It is a smart choice for a snack, because it is also believed that catechin helps improve mood.
4. Avocado
This fruit helps increase concentration. It is beneficial because it contains healthy fats and lots of potassium. It also contains a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid that helps reduce cholesterol, and improves the appearance of hair and skin.
Fiber and fats help keep insulin levels stable, which allows for greater concentration.
5. Vegetables
Vegetables help prevent a sudden decrease in blood sugar. Among the most beneficial are cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, watercress and cabbage, since they contain large amounts of nutrients. In addition, they have other components that offer protection against chronic diseases such as cancer.
The fiber in these crispy vegetables helps stabilize blood sugar and insulin, which prevents energy levels from going too high to very low.
6. Bitter chocolate
This delicious treat reduces stress. The flavonoids of bitter chocolate (the one that contains 70% or more of cocoa) help to maintain healthy blood vessels and reduce inflammation. In addition, the fat in dark chocolate does not affect cholesterol levels.
Eating this delight decreases cortisol, a hormone that influences stress and that is related to increased appetite and weight. This type of chocolate helps improve blood flow to the brain, thereby enhancing cognitive performance.
7. Blackberries
Blackberries help keep you focused on what you do. Blackberries, including raspberries and blackberries, have many antioxidants, as well as nutrients such as anthocyanins that lower blood pressure.
The berries also contain fiber and help keep you focused by controlling blood sugar and energy levels.
Healthy Energy Gels Picks for Endurance Sports
Are energy gels healthy? In recent times, sport nutrition was synonymous with chemical-filled “nutrition” shakes and gels. However, the food landscape is changing fast and healthy sportsmans seek for transparency and high quality ingredients at every bite. A study shows that nearly seven of 10 Americans are trying to increase plant protein consumption in order to hit their health-related goals. Sports nutrition is not an exception. Real-food and plant-based energy gels represent the new generation of healthy products for those who need immediate energy to keep up with their challenge. Our body uses two main sources of fuel to nourish your muscles during the race – fat and carbohydrate. In simple terms, energy gels are designed to replenish the carbohydrate stores that run out during the training or race. Made with natural ingredients such as seeds, fruit, vegetables, energy gels are still a part of the food armor of many runners, often playing the “prison free” card. Gels offer all the energy and resistance you need but they need to be tasty, easy to digest and portable. Energy shot provides instantaneous absorption of nutrients through the system, allowing for greater strength and shorter recovery times.
We have selected our three favourite energy gels among dozens based on the quality of their ingredients and claimed performance.
Grab one of our suggested healthy energy gels and let us know what you think.
- HUMA CHIA
PER GEL (44g) – Strawberries: Total carbohydrates 22g, 100 calories, 105mg sodium, 14g sugar.
Huma Chia Energy Gel is a nutritional Gel for fast, continuous exercises such as running, cycling, triathlon and other long – term endurance activities. This Energy Gel is made with real food ingredients. Huma Chia Energy Gel is thought to guarantee a long lasting performance that consist of 2:1 Glucose (short and long chains) to Fructose ratio combined with all 9 essential amino acids giving you maximum boost. Finely milled chia seeds helps modulate energy uptake to ensure no flash crashes.
PROs
- Made from 90% organic sources.
- Gluten and dairy free which reduces stomach issues.
- Large assortment of flavours.
- No caffeine.
CONs
- It seems to contain added sugars.
- Note: Nutrition facts change significantly among flavours.
2. ENERGY MIND
PER GEL (30ml) – Neutral sweet taste: Total carbohydrates 23g, 90 calories, 105mg sodium, 18g sugar (no added sugar).
The world’s first nootropic gel made with 100% natural ingredients. Energy Mind provides an immediate clean energy boost to your muscles during exercise, reduces fatigue with its unique isotonic formula (105mg sodium, 55mg potassium and 15mg magnesium) and, furthermore, helps improving your focus thanks to the unique and proven efficacy tomato extract.
Energy Mind is concentrated (more energy in 30ml only), easily digestible and naturally tasty (no chemical flavours, additives or preservatives). Energy Mind’s formula is based on organic rice and agave syrups from which come its naturally sweet pleasant taste and texture. This energy gel is powered by cucumber extract and tomato extract which have clinically proven significant focus, endurance, strength and recovery improvements.
PROs
- No caffeine and no stimulants.
- Suitable for vegan and vegetarian as free from gluten, GMO, lactose, soy, added sugar.
- Free from additives.
- Nootropic action to restore focus and coordination.
CONs
- It comes with only one neutral sweet taste.
3. GU ROCTANE ENERGY GEL
PER GEL (32g) – Blueberry Pomegranate: Total carbohydrates 21g, 100 calories, 125mg sodium, 6g sugar, 35mg caffeine.
Created for demanding training and competition, GU Roctane Energy Gel stands out from original GU Energy Gel with more sodium, an electrolyte that aids in hydration, and even more branched-chain amino acids (leucine, valine, and isoleucine) that reduce mental fatigue and decrease muscle damage than our original GU Energy Gel. The amino acid taurine helps maintain heart contractility and improve cardiac output during long exercise sessions, while the amino acid beta-alanine helps promote formation of the intramuscular buffer carnosine. The 100-calorie packets contain carbohydrates (maltodextrin and fructose) that use non-competing pathways to help maximize carbohydrate absorption and utilization while diminishing stomach distress.
PROs
- Contains three-times the amino acids and twice the sodium as original GU Energy Gel.
- It is gluten free, and kosher.
- This product is made with all vegan ingredients.
CONs
- Contains Caffeine (35mg).
- The consistency might be a bit tick for some.