What to eat to boost your mood and energy

If you're feeling a little lackluster and could use an extra boost for both your energy and your mood, the answer may be on your plate. Up your intake of the following foods and see if you don't feel a difference immediately!

1. Bananas
   Bananas are simply one of the best things you can eat to get your body raring with energy. They're a strong source of potassium and rich in B vitamins which provides your body with a sustained release of energy throughout the day. 
2. Lentils and legumes
   Lentils and legumes (like chickpeas) help to stabilize blood glucose levels, so if eaten at lunch time they can ward off the mid-afternoon crash in energy.
3. Kale
   You already know it, kale is one of the ultimate superfoods, packed with vitamins and minerals like copper, potassium, iron, phosphorus and calcium!
4. Eggs
   Eggs are a great source of B-vitamins, and B-vitamins are responsible for converting food into energy! Just what we need. They're also high in protein that contributes to higher levels of energy.
5. Coconut (and coconut oil)
   The oil in coconut provides a super nutritious source of energy. It's made up of medium chain triglycerides, aka fat that is turned into energy quickly and efficiently rather than being stored. Consider it the fat burning fat!
6. Ginger Tea
   Put down the coffee after lunchtime and brew a ginger tea instead. Coffee will not only disrupt your body clock later in the evening, it'll contribute to nervousness and anxiety by inducing a 'fight or flight' effect. Doesn’t sound like fun to us! Ginger-infused tea is filled with antioxidants and nutrients that will give you that afternoon boost without the caffeine consequences. All you need to do is boil water with some fresh ginger for 5-10 minutes and add a squeeze of lemon before drinking.
7. Tree nuts
   We're nuts about nuts and here's why. Tree nuts like almonds, cashews and hazelnuts are all high in magnesium which plays a role in converting sugar to energy. They are also a source of fibre which will keep your blood sugar levels stabilized.
8. Quinoa
   Quinoa is a gluten-free grain whose amino-acid count makes it a complete protein. And by being loaded with folate, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese, quinoa is a nutrient-heavy source of carbs that will spike your energy levels.
9. Goji Berries
   These little dried up red berries have been used in ancient Chinese medicine for thousands of years to increase energy and enhance hormone release. They're good for reducing levels of stress and they support a healthy and happy mood, mind and memory!
   
10. Asparagus
    Asparagus might actually be a plant-based anti-depressant. It is one of the best vegetable sources of tryptophan which helps create serotonin, one of the brain’s primary mood-regulating neurotransmitters!