Energy Foods

Are you interested in cutting caffeine or energy drinks from your diet, but are unsure of how to get through the day without that extra boost of energy? Here's a list of energy foods- foods that will perk you up and help you get through the day, even when you're trying to break bad habits.

Yogurt
Yogurt is an excellent source of magnesium, which is critical to energy release. Magnesium activates enzymes that metabolize things like proteins or carbs, and helps your body to make adenosine triphosphate, which will give you a serious boost of energy. A low fat yogurt is your best pick.

Seaweed
Seaweed is an excellent source of all kinds of minerals. Two of these minerals in particular- pantothenic acid and riboflavin- are vitamins that the body uses to produce energy. Having a tasty seaweed salad with lunch can easily keep your body fueled until dinnertime.

Artichoke
The high fiber content of artichokes will stabilize your body's energy levels, keeping you from having energy drop-offs later in the day. An artichoke is also a good source of magnesium, allowing you to reap those benefits.

Oats
Oats harness the power of the B-vitamin family to transform the carbs that you consume into usable energy. They also have plenty of fiber. Try starting your day off with a bowl of oatmeal to take full advantage of the power of oats.

Bananas
Bananas contain the amino acid tyrosine, which naturally boosts your body's levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which help to keep you awake and alert. Bananas also are full of potassium and easily digested sugars, making it an ideal energy food.

Acerola
This lesser known fruit is a vitamin C powerhouse- it contains an astounding 80mg per slice, butting more famous foods like oranges and grapefruit to shape. Studies have shown that receiving vitamin c daily boosts energy levels, making this fruit an excellent energy food. Acerola is also known as the Barabados cherry.

Cabbage
Cabbage contains something called superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that fights free radicals and keeps energy flowing throughout your body. Superoxide dismutase is so powerful that doctors have even used it to treat patients. Cabbage is also another good source of vitamin C.

Lentils
All the fiber in lentils will help to regulate your body's glucose levels, keeping it running smoothly and crash free. They also are high in protein, which keeps your body feeling full and will provide you with plenty of energy.

Water
Water may not have the caffeine burst that coffee does, but it's essential to keeping your body fueled and hydrated. Drinking water throughout the day will keep your body ready to take in all the wonderful nutrients on this list so that your body can produce all of the energy that it needs.