5 foods that fight fatigue

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - If you need a bit of an energy boost, you might want to try a few “smart snacks” according to a new report.

There's no substitute for sleep, but if your nights are a bit short and you at least want to eat to optimize your energy throughout the day, a report in prevention suggests five smart snacks to pick you up throughout the day.

The goal is to eat these snacks in small meals throughout the day and make sure that you combine them with a wide variety of other foods high in nutrition such as fruits and vegetables.

The top pick from these fruits and vegetables for your first snack choice is to make a smoothie and make sure you put spinach in it.

While it may not seem like a smart snack choice, it is loaded with a b-vitamin needed for energy called “riboflavin” or “vitamin b-2” as well as iron.

All of those nutrients make up a good energy combo.

Other foods recommended for eating when you are tired include:

Pistachios, which have protein and their green color actually comes from the antioxidants in them that work against what usually breaks down the body.
Quinoa is a grain that looks like a seed. Many call it a “super seed.” It's high in fiber so it absorbs slower than some other grains and will stick with you when you need energy.
Steel-cut oats are a complex carbohydrate that are a great breakfast if you are tired. Rolled oats are also a good choice.
Finally, dark chocolate makes the list of fatigue fighters. Real dark chocolate contains cocoa butter. Which helps caffeine release a little slower than usual in the body, according to the report.
Caffeine is, of course, an obvious fatigue fighter, but the only thing you get energy from is food.