Whether you are a teacher, stay at home mom, doctor or athlete, we all want to perform at our peak no matter what. Performance in any field depends upon high level mental and physical activity, whether it is running, eye-hand coordination or achieving balance.

The keys for healthy function include consuming good fats, anti-oxidants and clean protein sources. Utilizing the principles in this article and adding more of the foods below will prime you for great energy and improved endurance in your daily life.

Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil will super charge your health. This superfood is loaded with medium chain triglycerides (MCT’s) that break down for energy very easily. Unlike most fat sources, which consist of long chain fatty acids, these MCT’s go right to the liver and are metabolized immediately for energy. Muscle cells are also able to store MCT’s and use them immediately for energy during exercise sessions.

Coconut oil also helps raise your HDL cholesterol, or your good cholesterol and it’s been shown to improve mental function. Research has shown consuming large amounts of coconut oil can protect your brain from dementia and Alzheimer’s.

How to use coconut oil:

Use coconut oil when cooking. You may blend coconut oil in your coffee for a creamy rich consistency. You may also add it to smoothies or your morning bowl of oatmeal. Can’t be bothered with any of that, simply eat it from the spoon. You should consume at least 1–2 tablespoons of coconut oil daily.

Bone Broth Protein:

Bone broth is brimming with crucial nutrients to support joints, bones, skin, hair and nails. It is rich in collagen, gelatin, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and glucosamine. Bone broth is also loaded with amino acids like, glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, as well as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium.

These nutrients help the spine with proper structural alignment and prevent against injuries by strengthening joints, tendons and ligaments. Additionally, bone broth is great for the immune system. Bone broth even helps to replenish electrolytes after a workout.

If you are unable to make your own bone broth, you can try Bone Broth Protein or dehydrated bone broth powder, which comes with the same benefits as homemade broth, but it’s even more versatile in so many recipes. Bone Broth Protein begins as a true bone broth liquid. It’s then dehydrated, making it into a concentrated source of high-quality, tasty powder.

Make sure whether you are making your own bone broth from scratch or purchasing a powder form that the source of bones come from organic, grass fed, free range animals.

How to use Bone Broth:

Use bone broth as your liquid base to make soups. It’s also great for making rice. All in all, use bone broth as a replacement for water in any recipe you may have.

Berries:

If someone offered you a pill to help you feel full, lose weight, prevent disease and tasted great, you would take it. The great news is you can achieve all of that without a prescription. All you need to do is go to the grocery store and load up on berries. Berries are loaded withanti-oxidants and are naturally low in sugar, making them one of the few fruits that diabetics can eat without restrictions.

Berries contain unique phytonutrients called anthocyanin’s, which help protect cells from damage. Make sure to eat organic berries. Most berries are highly sprayed with pesticides. Dig into a variety of berries and watch your health transform.

How to use Berries:

Eat them out of the package (after you’ve washed them), place in your bowl of oatmeal, mix in your salad or throw them in a smoothie. However, you choose to use them, you can’t go wrong. Fresh berries are always the most nutrient rich but frozen are acceptable, too.

Spinach:

This superfood is loaded with blood purifying chlorophyll and the anti- oxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Spinach also contains its own plant based steroids that boost the body’s ability to adapt to stress and dramatically improve glucose metabolism. This keeps blood sugar levels stable and minimizes the need for the critical fat-storage hormone insulin.

The abundant flavonoids in spinach act as antioxidants to protect your body from cancer causing free radical damage, especially in the colon.

How to use Spinach:

You can cook spinach, but many people are repulsed by the texture. Spinach is great raw. Use it as a green base for your salad or mix in with your romaine lettuce. Mix with scrambled eggs or in an omelet. A handful of spinach is also great in your smoothie.

Avocados:

Avocados contain 20 different vitamins and minerals such as Folic Acid, Vitamin B5, B6, C, K, and Potassium. In smaller amounts it also contains Magnesium, Manganese, Copper, Iron, Zinc, Vitamin A, Thiamine, Riboflavin and Niacin.

Avocados do not contain any cholesterol and are a key player in increasing your HDL cholesterol levels or your good cholesterol. They are loaded with carotenoid anti-oxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin. It is very easy on the digestive system and helps support optimal hormone function, muscle development and exercise recovery.

How to use Avocados:

Make guacamole for a tasty dip or spread. Chop up avocados and place in a salad or on top of your eggs. They blend exceptionally well in a smoothie, giving you a rich creamy texture to your delicious drink.

There are so many more foods that taste great and will increase your energy and your health, but this is a great place for you to get started. If you’d like to learn more about how to increase your energy, visit us at: Heal My Nerves