Prepared for the Day
Keeping up your energy to host a tea party with your toddler after tossing around a football with your teenager, all while maintaining household tasks, requires superfoods for the supermom in you. Although the hustle and bustle of mommyhood may leave you desperate for a snack, hold off on salty chips or high-fat candy bars. Recharge your batteries with superfoods designed to energize and boost your immune system.
Eggs
Eggs are one of the most budget-friendly, nutrient-rich, high-protein foods you can stock in your fridge, says Indianapolis-based registered dietitian Kim Galeaz. “Every egg provides 6 grams [of] high-quality protein to help mom feel full longer and energized,” she says. Eggs also provide antioxidants to promote optimal eye health, Galeaz adds.
Peaches and Nectarines
A summertime family favorite, peaches and nectarines are a good source of vitamins A and C, says Galeaz. In addition, the brightly colored fruits also help keep mom’s skin healthy and boost her immune system. Whether you need a quick snack to keep you motivated or a sweet dessert to follow up lunch, peaches and nectarines are sure to satisfy.
Cottage Cheese
“Old fashioned cottage cheese has new-found benefits for mom,” says Galeaz. Just a half-cup contains at lest 12 grams of protein to provide sustainable and filling energy. Choose a low-fat cottage cheese to keep your heart healthy and look for those with at least 10 percent calcium to keep muscles, bones and teeth healthy and strong, recommends Galeaz.
Popcorn
Since corn is a natural whole grain, popcorn is a natural 100 percent whole grain super snack. Keep it heart-smart by using just a smidgen of salt and minimal oil, Galeaz suggests. Light versions of microwave popcorn are also great options for a midday snack. “Popcorn provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and high fiber, which helps provide a full, satisfied feeling to prevent overeating,” says Galeaz.
Almonds
When a craving for fatty food takes over, opt for the “good” fats, says Valerie Orsoni, nutritionist and CEO of LeBootCamp.com. Just a small serving of almonds gives you a boost of energy. “I suggest soaking your almonds overnight before eating them in order to release the toxic enzyme inhibitor, which nuts and seeds naturally contain,” she says. “Releasing the toxins also enables your body to better absorb the vitamins and minerals in the almond.”
Bananas
When you need that extra boost of energy, a banana is a quick fix to keep you moving and motivated. Bananas are naturally fatigue-fighting thanks to the magnesium content, says Orsoni. “It’s why athletes go for a banana snack,” she says. “The banana is king of potassium, which boosts energy.”
Avocados
Although a common myth is that avocados are too high in fat to include in your diet, this superfood is rich in the kind of fat that your body craves, Orsoni says. “They have fiber and protein, which bring satiety, and a half avocado will keep you powered for a good while.”
Hummus
For the perfect protein snack, prepare hummus to keep you energized. “With a low glycemic index, hummus is highly satisfying and gets digested slowly by the body—giving you lots of energy for a longer period of time,” says Orsoni. Serve up this tasty dip, rich in iron and vitamin C, with pita or flatbread as an appetizer or midday snack.
Salmon
When your brain needs to be recharged, fuel it with a serving of salmon. “A champion of omega-3 fats, which carry health-boosting properties, these fatty acids found in salmon and other cold-water fish bring improved energy levels and better brain function,” says Orsoni. Studies have also shown that salmon contributes to eye, cardiovascular, hair and skin health.
Dark Chocolate
If you are a chocoholic, you’re in luck. Dark chocolate contains high doses of antioxidants and a phytochemical being studied that might help with your health, says Jill Nussinow, Santa Rosa, California-based registered dietitian and founder of The Veggie Queen. “The key is to eat it in moderation—a few small squares a day is enough,” she says. “If you love the bitterness of chocolate, use cacao nibs instead of prepared chocolate or use cocoa powder, which can be added to that smoothie, too.”
