Those who need a small energy boost like to take a coffee or other caffeinated drinks. We will show you 8 alternative foods that will wake you up just as well.
Nuts
Whether almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts or walnuts: they all have an invigorating effect. This is mainly due to the magnesium, B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids they contain. The combination dispels tiredness, stress and nervousness. Those who reach for trail mix even have other energy suppliers in the form of raisins with them.
Bananas
Bananas are always suitable as a snack in between meals: They’re tasty, healthy and a real pick-me-up. The reason for this is carbohydrates that provide quick energy. Magnesium and folic acid also contribute valuable nutrients that promote the formation of red blood cells. This also dispels tiredness. Especially practical: Good mood is free, because the amino acid tryptophane is converted by the brain into the hormone serotonin.
Dandelion
Dandelion is not only good for rabbits, but also for our bodies. It contains valuable potassium, which makes us awake, purifies and stimulates the metabolism. The dried leaves and flowers are doused with hot water. The tea must now still brew. By the way, nettle has a similarly stimulating effect.
Ginger
Ginger roots stimulate the metabolism, which is mainly due to the pungency of the tubers. And this in turn ensures that your fat burning is stimulated and you do not get tired so quickly. If you want to wake up quickly, drink the spicy tuber in tea or in the form of a ginger ale. Simply mix water with lemon juice, ginger and cane sugar – et voilà: There you go, the fat-burning pick-me-up.
Pepperoni
The pungency of the pepperoni has a stimulating effect on circulation and metabolism (as with ginger). And this immediately. Within a few minutes you will feel fit and awake. But pepperoni has another advantage: the substance capsaicin, which is responsible for the pungency, increases the body’s heat production by up to 25 percent. And that in turn stimulates fat burning.
Citrus fruits
Acidic foods such as citrus fruits have basically the same effect as spicy food. You are suddenly awake. The reason for this is vitamin C, which gives you extra energy. So for the next lunchtime slump, just reach for mandarins, kiwis, apples or grapefruits. A positive side effect: sour makes fun.
Dark chocolate
Yes, chocolate is one of the foods that will wake you up. The reason is obvious: dark chocolate contains around 50 milligrams of caffeine per 100 grams, while the lighter milk chocolate manages 20 milligrams per 100 grams. In fact, dark chocolate not only makes you awake, it also makes you happy. Among the substances responsible for this reaction and found in cocoa are the plant substance theobromine and building blocks of the happiness hormone serotonin.
Wheatgrass
Wheat grass is the young grass of the wheat plant, also called wheat germ. It is particularly rich in vitamins A, E and B12 and also contains many antioxidants and the plant pigment chlorophyll. The latter has a haematopoietic effect and thus helps to wake you up. In order for the plant to be edible, however, it must be processed – preferably in juice form. As the taste takes a lot of getting used to, you should start with a small glass and mix it with juice. Caution: too much wheatgrass juice can cause nausea and has a detoxifying effect.