Summertime is the best chance to get things done. Whether it’s taking the family for a vacation or finally getting around to fixing that fence, you need lasting energy. Before reaching for a second, or even third, cup of coffee, think about where your energy is coming from. Are the foods you’re eating providing enough natural energy?
Some people stick to meal prepping with easily made dishes like chicken and rice to give their body what it needs and nothing it doesn't. While there's nothing wrong with meals like chicken and rice, it can get boring eating that every day. It’s time to switch it up. Check out these summer meals and high-energy foods that boost your natural energy.
Summer Foods That Give You a Natural Energy Boost
Avocados
Often heralded as a superfood, they’re rich in ‘good’ fats, fiber, and B vitamins. Nearly 80% of carbs in avocados are the fiber that gives you sustained energy.
Watermelon
One cup of watermelon contains 46 calories, over11 grams of carbs, and about 9 grams of sugar. It's a great way to satisfy sugar cravings and get 5% of your daily vitamin A and 14% of your vitamin C.
Cucumbers
They’re great for eating or adding to your water. At just 16 calories per cup, you get about 4% of your daily potassium, 3% of your daily fiber, and 4% of your daily vitamin C.
Bell Peppers
A single cup of bell peppers contains 9 grams of carbs, including 3 grams of fiber. You also get 93% of your daily vitamin A and an astonishing 317% of your daily vitamin C. Slice them up and put them on a grill for a tasty side dish.
Tomatoes
A small tomato provides 16 calories and 3.5 grams of carbs. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and vitamin K and go great in a salad or on toasted bread with cheese.
Fish & Shrimp
Various fish and other seafood are high in protein and a major source of omega-3 fats and other nutrients like vitamin D and selenium. Similarly, shrimp are low in calories and big in vitamin B12 and omega-3 fat. Make delicious fish tacos or add shrimp to a salad for a healthy high-protein meal.
Keep It Light & Limit Indulging
Weekend BBQs, the 4th of July, and summer gatherings feature some of the tastiest meals—but also some of the worse for you. While those cheeseburgers and hot dogs go down easy, they can be hard to work off. Those foods are often loaded with sodium and preservatives, neither of which you need too much of.
Instead of flipping beef patties, try a light summer meal—like a turkey or chicken burger. Even some plant-based burgers offer a near-identical taste but with better nutritional value.
But if you do indulge a bit, at least set a limit for yourself. Swap out a second burger for some fruit or nuts. And if carbs are your concern, ditch the traditional bun for a piece of lettuce.
5 Easy Summer Meals To Make
1. Kebabs
Whether you like to put them together or buy prepared ones—kebabs are a delicious way to get those servings of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein all at once. All you need are skewers and your favorite grilled items such as bell peppers, pineapple, onions, tomatoes, chicken, pork, or beef.
2. Chili Cheese Dip
“How can a chili cheese dip possibly be healthy,” you might ask? It’s all about the ingredients. Start by browning ground, lean meat in your pan. Then add in black beans, seasoning, your favorite salsa, and of course, cheese. It’s a great dip for parties and makes for a healthy, hearty appetizer.
3. Grilled Shrimp
Often called ‘shrimp on the barbie,’ this is a meal you’ll want to make almost every night. It’s easy to prepare, cooks fast, and provides incredible flavor and nutritional value. Start by peeling your shrimp or use precooked shrimp to cut down time. Next, melt some butter in a bowl, and add garlic and freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice. Marinate the shrimp, place them on skewers, and you’re all set to grill!
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are the way to go for a vitamin C-packed meal. It’s as easy as cutting the top off your bell peppers, gutting the seeds and core, and stuffing them with your favorite mix of lean meat, cheese, and rice. This one may take a bit to bake, but prep time is fast, and the final product will have you getting up for seconds.
5. Chopped salad
Do you avoid salads because they aren’t filling? While some salads do live up to that reputation—chopped salads are a summer meal full of ingredients that satisfy. Chopped salads are a light summer meal and customizable to add more foods you love. A basic mix can include spinach, arugula, red onions, roasted bell peppers, sliced chicken, and a low-calorie dressing. Add feta cheese for extra flavor.
Keep Energy High All Year Round With Mdrive
Making the most of every day by ensuring your meals have the right nutrients to boost your natural energy sounds a lot easier than it is. You may feel short on time or missing some ingredients. But even a busy body can achieve a natural energy boost through Mdrive.
Mdrive supplements were designed to work with your body’s natural process, resulting in higher energy levels and more drive. Find the right supplements for you today, or read about more ways to keep your energy high here.