I'm A Functional Medicine Expert & These Are The 8 Foods I Reach For When I Need Energy

If you're like most people, when that afternoon slump hits you, it hits hard and it hits fast. Our society runs on sugar, caffeine, and carbohydrates that might give us a quick burst of energy but leave us crashing and in search of our next fix.

When all systems of your body are working optimally, you'll feel better and have the energy to live the life you deserve. So without further ado, these are my top eight foods for restoring your energy:

Avocados are one of my favorite sources of healthy fats that also contain protein and fiber to sustain your energy levels even more throughout the day. These are also a versatile choice for breakfast or lunch to mitigate the need for snacking between meals. And after all, who doesn't love a good avo toast or guacamole?

Sometimes you just need something sweet. Instead of reaching for that sugary cookie or snack, opt for low-glycemic berries that are filled with beneficial antioxidants that won't leave you crashing later.

Chronic inflammation is the thorn in the side of almost every modern-day health problem—including chronic fatigue1. Curcumin, the main compound found in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory capabilities2 and is an easy spice to cook with throughout your week or sip as golden milk.

If you eat animal protein, wild-caught fish like salmon and sardines are an excellent choice to add to your grocery list since they are high in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have been shown to help balance mood3, maintain stable blood sugar4, and even improve your brain function5 so you aren't battling brain fog.

Methylation is fueled by key B vitamins that are abundant in sulfuric vegetables like Brussels sprouts and broccoli. Add these to your daily vegetable rotation for more energized methylation pathways.

We know that healthy fats are a great source of long-term, sustainable energy. However, if you do more physical activity or just feel like your body needs more carbohydrates, sweet potatoes are a super-energizing option too. Sweet potatoes also contain fiber that can help slow the body's absorption of carbohydrates to alleviate an extreme blood sugar spike.

Whether you eat a mostly plant-based diet or just want a quick and easy snack, seeds like pumpkin, flax, chia, and hemp are the perfect choice. Filled with fatty acids and fiber that will fill you up and boost your energy without the dreaded blood sugar crash, seeds can be incorporated into smoothies, added to salads, or enjoyed by the handful.

Plus, unlike coffee, green tea also contains L-theanine, which slows the absorption of caffeine in your brain to provide a steadier energy boost without the jitters.

So many of us struggle with low energy on a daily basis that it's easy to write it off as "normal." But I always say that just because something is common doesn't make it normal. It is possible to restore your energy levels, and the first step can be tweaking what you eat. By fueling your body with nutrient-dense, energy-boosting foods like those on this list, you'll be powering through your days in no time.