Seniors- 7 Foods to Boost Your Energy Levels
Foods to Boost Your Energy Levels
Ever wake up feeling tired and sluggish? You might think that’s just a sign of old age, and you have to learn to deal with it. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Even as you age, you can have plenty of energy and avoid feeling fatigued. How? Eating the right foods makes a big difference. Include these 7 foods in your diet…
1. Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” There’s some truth to that. Apples are a good source of antioxidants that can help prevent inflammation and certain types of cancer. But there’s also a good source of natural sugars and energy. Try:
- Breakfast Burrito with Salsa, Applesauce & Hash Browns
- Cheese Omelet, Broccoli & Cinnamon Apples
2. Beans
Beans, beans...the magical fruit. You know the rest, right? Beans are great for energy because they digest slowly. This keeps your blood sugar levels stable, instead high blood sugar level spikes in energy followed by lows and fatigue. Try:
Chicken Cheese Enchilada with Tomatillo Sauce, Rice & Pinto Beans
3. Brown Rice
Brown rice is a high-fiber food with a low Glycemic Index. When you eat brown rice, it takes a lot longer for your body to digest, than white rice. The result...it’s a stable source of energy. Try:
- Turkey Chili with Brown Rice
- Beef Bourguignon, Brown Rice & Broccoli
- Chicken Paprika with Brown Rice & Green Beans
- Crab Cake, Brown Rice & Mixed Vegetables
- Meatloaf & Tomato Sauce, Brown Rice with Peas & Carrots
4. Eggs
Looking for a good protein source that can give you an energy boost, too? Eat more eggs. They’re high in protein and amino acids that help provide energy.
- Breakfast Scramble, Hashbrowns & Asparagus
5. Fish
Want a natural way to fight fatigue? Eat more fish. Research shows eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent fatigue. Try:
- Salmon & Vegetable Linguini
- Salmon Caponata with Orzo & Spinach
- Tilapia & Rice Pilaf with Mushroom & Artichoke Hearts
- Baked Tilapia, Brown Rice & Minted Carrots
6. Leafy Greens
Guess what? If you don’t get enough iron in your diet, chances are pretty good you experience fatigue and exhaustion. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Leafy greens are packed with vitamins and nutrients, including iron. Try:
- Eggplant Parmigiana and Polenta with Spinach & Roasted Peppers
- Salmon Caponata with Orzo & Spinach
- Spinach Mushroom Lasagna with Garlic Green Beans
7. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes make the list because they’re a good source of complex carbs. These types of carbs take longer for your body to digest, giving you a sustained source of energy.
Want more ideas for great meals? Visit our senior meals menu!