10 Easy Ways to Give Yourself a Morning Energy Boost
Updated: May 02, 2023
These simple tips will have you bouncing out of bed.
Drink Water
Hydration is important for lots of reasons—but one of the biggest is energy. When you aren’t getting enough water, you’re sure to feel tired faster. So stave off unnecessary crashes by properly hydrating, especially at the beginning of the day! How do you know how much water you need? Here’s a guide that can help.
Eat More Antioxidants
Foods high in antioxidants, such as blueberries, may not boost energy directly, but they certainly have indirect benefits. Because they fight harmful free radicals, they may protect you from the kind of illnesses that deplete your energy stores. Likewise, they’re high in nutrients your body needs. Bonus: You’ll get tons of health and beauty benefits from blueberries, too!
Make Herbal Tea a Habit
Speaking of antioxidants, herbal tea is another great source of them. It’s also a great swap for the stimulant of coffee. Some good options are peppermint, ginger and cinnamon, all of which make for an invigorating morning cup. For more inspiration, check out the mind-blowing benefits of tea.
Look for Foods Low on the Glycemic Index
When a food is low on the glycemic index, its sugars are absorbed slowly in the body—for less of a sugar crash and more sustained energy. Examples include nuts, high-fiber vegetables and whole grains: all great for your breakfast routine. Get started today with lentils.
Limit Alcohol
Most people don’t reach for a glass of wine or cocktail at breakfast, but even if you’re partaking throughout the day, you could be unintentionally sabotaging your overall energy levels. Alcohol tends to have a sedative impact on the body, lowering your focus and productivity. Quick tip: Swapping out alcohol doesn’t have to be depressing; here are fun drinks to sip instead!
Start the Day with Eggs
While today’s egg breakfast may not help you get out of bed tomorrow, the memory of it might. That’s because the high nutrient content of eggs makes them a powerful and long-lasting energy source. Scrambled, poached, fried or baked: The choice is yours! Learn more about how eggs boost energy here.
Add Leafy Greens to Your Breakfast, Too
You probably already know dark and leafy greens such as kale, spinach, chard and collards are good for you. But did you know their high magnesium content can up your energy, too? Here are ideas for getting more leafy greens in your life at breakfast or any time of day!
Work Nuts into Your Mornings
Reaching for that granola bar or nutty cereal isn’t just tasty; it’s also a smart energy-boosting choice. Likewise, a handful of nuts is an easy snack to pack in your bag or keep in the car, saving you from the mid-morning lull. Find more ways to add nuts to your diet.
Eat a Banana
You can throw it in an energy smoothie, add it to a yogurt parfait or simply reach for one on your way out the door—bananas are a great morning choice. In them, you have complex carbs, brain-boosting vitamins and vital amino acids. If that’s not enough to convince you, here are more reasons to reach for this fruit.
Skip the Sweets
Sure, it’s tempting to grab a sweet treat first thing in the morning. But when energy’s your goal, skip it. A high sugar intake at breakfast means a crash shortly afterwards, right when your day’s getting going. If you’re ready to get serious about reducing your sugar intake, here’s a 7-day meal plan to help.
Originally Published: September 19, 2019
