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It’s Summertime! You are working hard and playing harder than ever. No surprise you might need an afternoon pick-me-up.  But hold on to that Red Bull for a minute…maybe the source of your energy drain is your diet.

 

According to Sir Richard Branson’s  Virgin Health Miles  an adjustment to your daily menu can generate a natural boost of energy that will last longer than a cup of coffee or boost of the Bull….and Branson clearly knows a thing or two about energy!  For more energy take five..these five foods!1. Avocados
Sure they are fatty, but they are filled with good fats: heart-healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats, both of which lower total cholesterol. And they taste so good!

2. Sweet Potatoes
Filled with fiber and beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A, sweet potatoes can be eaten mashed or baked, plain or with seasonings. When purchasing sweet potatoes, look for those with a darker flesh because that means they're higher in beta-carotene content.

3. Oatmeal
Get the real thing and not those prepackaged servings with artificial flavoring. Use quick-cooking oats to make a bowl of oatmeal in minutes on the stove-top or in the microwave. Add fresh or dried fruit, honey or nuts for a nutritious breakfast.

4. Yogurt
Look for yogurt that has "live cultures" or "probiotics." This means it's full of friendly bacteria that will help prevent harmful germs from invading your body through the lining of your digestive system. Yogurt can also help prevent colds and other infections. For an added boost, add honey and berries to plain yogurt.

5. Salmon
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, as well as minimize symptoms of arthritis and inflammatory diseases. If possible, eat wild salmon, rather than farm-raised salmon. Don't like fish? You can get your omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, almonds, walnuts and flaxseed.

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