What's Your Favorite Pick-Me-Up Food?
Posted by jeanacorina on Aug 12, 2009 · Member since Aug 2007 · 694 posts
Some days at work, I just feel blah. There's nothing wrong, I just can't seem to get motivated and focused. Lately, I've started drinking a cup of coffee when I need to get some work done, but I don't want to fall into the "I-can't-function-til-I-have-my-coffee" group.
So, what do you eat or drink that is great for concentrating, energizing, and motivating.... without the nasty caffeine or sugar withdrawal?
I am currently trying to get myself onto peppermints instead of coffee, but I feel like they'll rot my teeth.
:-X
um... i REALLY like to start my day with a green smoothie. nothing else keeps me full and makes me feel as good. mine are usually something like
-raw almond milk that i made or a mixture of hemp and water (just put into the blender separately to make a milk. alternately, if i have juice i will just use that and hemp)
-spinach or kale. a lot.
-a banana
-flax
-frozen fruit.. whatever suits you
sometimes i add in other weird things like spirulina, chlorella, blue/green algae..
you could also try kombucha
ETA: what do you currently eat in the morning?
I usually have Kashi crunch cereal and soymilk or cream of wheat. Usually a piece of fruit or a glass of orange juice somewhere mid-morning.
I've read a few places that you should have more protein rather than carbs for breakfast, otherwise you feel sluggish and end up craving more carbs or sugar later in the day. Maybe try having quinoa breakfast cereal (quinoa cooked with cinnamon, raisins, apple, little bit of brown sugar, put a little soymilk on it when it's done) or a tofu scramble?
For something to get you going during the day, cold water with lime or lemon or mint. Or decaf iced tea. Hm.
BEER
aloe juice is crazily refreshing if you can get it?
JC, for energy and emotional pick-me-up, I reach for a handful of nuts. My favs are cashews 'cuz they're higher in omegas which help elevate your mood, but really, any will do.
I am with Hanashi on that! Grab a handful of nuts to give you something to chew on, fiddle with your fingers if you eat them slowly one at a time as well as needed protein and fats.
I do have to admit, my favorite is peanuts, dry roasted and salted. But honestly your favorite will be just fine! You could pick walnuts or almonds or pistachios or even sunflower seeds! Give it a try.
BEER
I'm with you on this one.
Hearts of palm. Dunno why, but they're crisp and refreshing and tangy and DELICIOUS. Lotsa fiber too.
BEER
I'm with you on this one.
Thirded.
Red bush or rooibos tea is very nice.
sometimes - just plain old ice does wonders for waking the system up. be careful if you need to talk on the phone later though, your tongue will be half frozen mrmble grmble blrmbl blgh
I love green smoothies. Unfortunately, my blender is broken so I haven't had one in about a month. They really do make me feel a lot more energetic.
Also, I agree about a handful of nuts or seeds (or a mix). Also, sometimes I like to get one of those Stretch Island smooshed fruit things. The chewing you have to do in order to get a bite down wakes me up...plus they're good.
I like Chai tea. For some reason it's invigorating to me even w/o the caffeine!
BEER
not scotch???
Peppermint tea. It's very delicious. If you don't like black or green tea, you should still give it a shot because it's just an herbal tea so it's caffeine free and less bitter.
Peppermint, spearmint, any mint tea is good. It's a mild stimulant but won't keep you awake at night or give you the jitters. I wuzgonna say this but Shea beat me to it.
Personally I love my cuppa regular black or red tea, too. I'm not addicted to the "juice" it gives, it's the making the tea I love, and the smell of freshly made tea.
Also, try the juice of a lemon, orange or grapefruit in a glass of water, first thing before breakfast. The vitamin C helps you jump-start your day, and it's supposed to cleanse toxins too.
Yes, I've heard that about mint, that it wakes you up and helps you focus. Maybe I should buy some peppermint tea and bring it to work with me.
I also think I'll look at some tofu scramble recipes. I usually have limited time for breakfast (especially this semester--- my first class starts at 7:30am!!!!!) but if it's quick and I keep the ingredients on hand I can always toss it in a tortilla or pita and eat it in the car.
Thanks and keep the suggestions coming!
;)b
Anything with chiles! Capsaicin (the chemical that makes chiles hot) speeds up your metabolism and heart rate and dilates blood vessels to improve circulation, making you feel more alert and energetic (and burns extra calories too!). Plus (fresh) chiles are super high in vitamin C.
Some ideas:
Chips and salsa (baked chips or rice crackers if you're worried about fat)
Find a spicy trail mix
Throw some fresh or pickled chiles in a salad or sandwich
Make a spicy batch of hummus
Add hot sauce to soups, salad dressings, sandwiches...anything savory really
Just make sure that any spicy food you eat is actually spicy because of chiles. Other spicy things like black pepper, hot mustard, or wasabi do not contain capsaicin.
It's not a food, but Kombucha picks me up every time! And in the morning, lemon water.
:)
Anything with chiles! Capsaicin (the chemical that makes chiles hot) speeds up your metabolism and heart rate and dilates blood vessels to improve circulation, making you feel more alert and energetic (and burns extra calories too!). Plus (fresh) chiles are super high in vitamin C.
Oh yeah! Good point! Chiles are the bomb. I have a recipe for Chili-Lime Noodles in my book that's a fave pick me up. Other ingredients are fresh ginger and lime, which also really rev up the immune system and get energy going! I also am really into homemade hot sauces--they are like elixir of love to me!! ;)b
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