It is a very common assumption that switching to vegan diet can be challenging when it comes to gaining more energy. However, this is absolutely wrong as there are plenty of vegan foods full of vitamins and nutrients required for your body to gain energy. Moreover, you can enjoy meals that can help you get extra energy so you can get through a long day of work or an exhausting workout.
So here are some vegan energy foods you can add to your diet:
- Nut butter
Nut butters are quite a convenient option as they are not only high in calories and healthy fat but a good source of protein. You have a wide variety to choose from such as almond butter, sunflower seed to add to your diet to have just the right amount of calories. There is also a good amount of fiber in nut butter which helps your digestive system and keeps you fully energetic, hours after having your meal.
- Spinach
Adding spinach to your diet can help get a great energy boost. It is a high energy meal, having various nutrients such as iron, potassium, magnesium, folate and calcium, vitamin A, and protein which helps in building strong muscles and keep a healthy blood flow. One cup of spinach or 5 grams of it maintains your sugar levels and further improves your muscle mass too.
- Brown Rice
Brown rice might not sound as fancy or proper as other vegan foods but it can provide you with a good amount of high fiber, protein and carbs. Brown rice gives the right of calories, filling you with energy, needed to survive any tiring day. You can enjoy it as a sideline with all sorts of grilled or fried veggies or however you like.
- Chia seeds
You will be surprised to know about how such a tiny looking black seed can do wonders for you. Yes, chia seeds have plenty of fiber, iron, vitamin B, omega 3 fats, and protein. It is an energizing food, helping you to keep up with your hectic workout routine. These seeds are mostly tasteless so you can enjoy it in various ways such as by sprinkling it on salads, enjoying it in plain water or just putting it on a toast. These seeds will only energize you but they will maintain your sugar levels as they contain very less amount of carbs.
- Oats
Oats contain vitamin B, iron, potassium, magnesium and are a great source of carbs. This is why you will see bodybuilders enjoying oatmeal as part of their regular diet. Not only do they provide you with a great amount of energy but are cheap to buy and easy to make. One way is to use rolled oats or steel oats in your oatmeal, which are not only lower on the glycemic index but higher in soluble fiber than instantly cooked oats.
- Cacao
Cacao tastes like chocolate and can act as a fun meal for your boring diet as it gives an endorphin boost. It contains iron, which gives off oxygen to your muscles and organs, helping your body to get energized. It also consists of nutrients like magnesium, chromium and antioxidants. So either make a delicious pudding with it or add some nibs into smoothie or oatmeal and just enjoy.
- Fresh fruits
Fresh fruits are the ultimate go-to snack for the perfect amount of sugars and fiber. The natural energy your body gets from eating fresh fruits is unmatchable from any other food. You can enjoy a wide range of fruits having different and important nutrients needed to feel extremely energetic such as oranges contain vitamin C, bananas contain calcium, apples contain iron. Fruits are an easy snack to carry anywhere you go. You can use fruits with various meals like salads or you can just make smoothies.
- Legumes
Some great legumes that you can add to your vegan diet are garbanzo beans, lentils, and soybeans. They are not only filled with calories, protein and plenty of fiber but have significant vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, potassium and folate. You can add beans to different kinds of dips, soups or any vegan meal you make.
- Dry fruits
Dry fruits are another energetic and portable snack that you can have anywhere, anytime. They are a great source of gaining extra energy as they contain extra calories, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. However, since these snacks contain extra natural sugars so you must incorporate them with another protein snack to avoid any future issue regarding your sugar levels.
- Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes are popular for their perfect balance between vitamin A and vitamin C.. They are also known for their heavenly flavor. This snack helps you get the right amount of carbs for your body to get energized. You can use sweet potatoes in different ways such as baked, grilled, roast potatoes or use them in curries or with veggies.
Conclusion
So, there is no need to be concerned about whether or not you will be getting enough energy from a vegan diet. By switching to the foods mentioned above, a vegan diet can actually boost your protein, nutrients and calorie consumption. The above list is full of versatile and easy to make dishes and it can help you mix and match your meals and enjoy a fun diet every day.
