Top 10 Arizona Grown Foods that Are Natural Energy Boosters

Looking for a way to increase your energy?  Look no further than our local farms.  Here is a breakdown of the top 10 energy boosting foods grown right here in Arizona.

Spinach

Along with the other dark green vegetables on the list, spinach is packed with energy boosting nutrients including folate, calcium and vitamins A, C, E, and K.  For a quick afternoon energy boost, whip up a fresh salad using spinach, broccoli, and avocados with a drizzle of lemon juice.

Broccoli

One of the cruciferous vegetables, broccoli helps convert food into energy, fights free radicals and is a great source of vitamins A, B and C.  Need a great idea for dinner?  Cook up some whole wheat pasta and toss with broccoli, lean pork medallions and a drizzle of olive oil.

Pork and Beef

Lean cuts of pork and beef are full of protein and iron; both of which are key nutrients for boosting your energy and keeping you going over the course of the day.  Create your own power lunch by making a fabulous sandwich with a whole wheat bun, a lean cut of pork, green leaf lettuce and your favorite condiment.  For a breakfast loaded with protein, use a lean cut of beef and scrambled eggs for an energy boosting way to begin your the day.

Pecans

With 19 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc, pecans pack a powerful punch in a small package.  As a good source of healthy fats, a handful of pecans makes a great 3 PM pick-me up me.

Lemons

Lemons are as versatile as they are healthy.  Full of vitamin C, lemon water in the morning helps boost metabolism and gets your body revving for the remainder of the day.  Use fresh Arizona lemons to make lemonade at home for a refreshing treat.

Leaf Lettuce and Romaine Lettuce

As with spinach, leaf lettuce and romaine lettuce belong to the nutrient rich group of green leafy vegetables and are full of vitamin C, beta-carotene, chromium, folic acid and dietary fiber.  Because raw foods also boost energy, mix up a nutrient dense salad with leaf lettuce, romaine and spinach and top with a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a satisfying lunch or a lead-in to dinner.  Or start your morning right with an all natural green energy drink by making a smoothie from romaine, spinach, leaf lettuce and lemon juice.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is the perfect food for anyone because of its excellent ratio of nutritional content to calories.  Filled with beta-carotene, vitamin C, folate and potassium, this delicious fruit can be incorporated into all three meals and makes a great snack.  Chop it into chunks and mix with strawberries and watermelon for a new take on fruit salad or slice thin to add a colorful twist to a dinner plate filled with pork and broccoli.

Cauliflower

Another of the cruciferous vegetables, cauliflower is broccoli’s less popular cousin.  But don’t discount this nutrient filled energy booster.  Boil it for a great source of omega 3 fatty acids or eat it raw to benefit from the vitamin C, vitamin A, iron and calcium it offers.

Watermelon

Filled with vitamins C, A and B6, watermelon boosts your energy and improves your brain’s ability to produce key chemicals like dopamine and melatonin.  As a great source of lycopene, watermelon also bolsters the immune system and is a favorite for the whole family.  Upgrade the kid’s afterschool treat by swapping sugary snacks for a slice of mouth-watering Arizona watermelon.

Dairy

Dairy products like cheese, yogurt and milk can play a vital role in maintaining your energy level over the course of the day.  Adding a slice of cheese to the pork sandwich above adds flavor and calcium.  Add a few chunks of cantaloupe to some yogurt in the blender and create your own fruit flavor sure to start your morning off right.

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