Best Energy-Boosting Foods for Mom

Do you find yourself yawning constantly? Is the temptation to crawl into bed to catch some much needed shut-eye overwhelming you?

While it is always good to listen to your body’s cues, getting some much needed rest is not always an option when you have young kids to take care of. In fact, getting a good night’s sleep alone is close to impossible, particularly for mothers who have a nursing or sick baby.

Sure, a big mug of coffee can give you that temporary energy boost. What is more important, though, is making sure that your body gets its daily dose of nutrients to help keep you healthy and ready to meet the demands of motherhood.

A good tactic to ensure you get the most out of your food is to eat superfoods. Superfoods are foods that have been found to contain more nutrients. They can also strengthen the immune system, help in decreasing inflammations, and boost energy levels. Try these superfoods as suggested by ecowatch.com, so you'll have all the energy you need to live the super mom life.

Superfoods for Super Moms

Oats

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But what is the ideal breakfast? A humble bowl of oats!

Oats are ideal for breakfast because of their high fibre content. Fibre is digested slowly, thereby giving you a feeling of fullness for a longer period of time. Oats also help stabilize sugar levels, and can help lower cholesterol, making it a heart-friendly food. Rich in protein, potassium, magnesium, and other vital nutrients, oats are sure to keep you going.

You can add raisins to your oatmeal. For contrast in taste and texture, you can also try putting adobong mani in your cooked oatmeal!

Quinoa

Quinoa has long been known for its energy-boosting compounds, such as folate, magnesium, and phosphorus. In the olden days, it was used by messengers, who had to travel long distances by foot or on a horse, to keep their energy levels up. It is rich in amino acids, and is considered a complete protein.

Quinoa is available in Healthy Options, S & R, The Superfood Grocer, and The Healthy Grocery.

Avocados

Once thought to be unhealthy because of its fat content, avocados are now hailed as a heart-friendly food. Avocados contain high amounts of healthy fats, fibre, potassium, folate, and vitamins A and E. The good news is, avocados are widely available in the Philippines.

Goji Berries

Chinese medicinal practitioners have long employed goji berries in their concoctions to stimulate energy and mental sharpness. These super berries are also believed to help in managing stress and increasing blood flow. Increased blood flow means more oxygen flows through your body, which ultimately enhances energy. These berries are likewise powerful antioxidants.

It is no wonder why numerous health supplements contain goji berry extracts!

Dried goji berries are available in Binondo's Chinatown, while Goji juice can be bought from various groceries and online sellers.

Spirulina

This blue-green algae is rich in protein and amino acids. It is an excellent source of  chlorophyll, which helps detoxify the blood and boost the immune system.

Spirulina contains thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin, and a battalion of other nutrients that are sure to keep the doctor away. Studies also show that spirulina enhances endurance.

Healthy Options carries several brands of Spirulina tablets that are relatively affordable considering its many health benefits. You can also get some from the Superfood Grocer and DLA Health and Nutrition.

Salmon

Eating salmon improves your metabolism, and allows for more efficient oxygen distribution, thus resulting in higher energy levels. Loaded with proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is also known to improve heart health.

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