20 Foods that Give You More Energy & Get Rid of Fatigue

Updated in March 2023

Some foods, like bananas, avocado, cinnamon, almonds, beets, broccoli, eggs, oats, cheese and peanuts, contain properties that boost energy, improve mood and combat fatigue. These foods promote relaxation at night for a good night’s sleep to replenish your energy for the next day. 

You should opt for a light meal at dinner, with cooked, low-fat foods without pepper or other sauces. This can also promote restorative sleep at night, which is essential to fight fatigue. 

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Energy-boosting foods 

Some foods that can give you more energy include: 

  1. Passion fruit
  2. Avocado
  3. Banana
  4. Cherries
  5. Lettuce
  6. Cinnamon 
  7. Lemon balm tea 
  8. Honey 
  9. Peanuts 
  10. Eggs 
  11. Pumpkin 
  12. Almonds 
  13. Spinach 
  14. Oats 
  15. Brewer’s yeast
  16. Cheese 
  17. Cacao
  18. Cinnamon 
  19. Broccoli 
  20. Beets 

Generally-speaking, these foods help to stimulate serotonin production. This neurotransmitter are associated with pleasure and wellbeing, promote relaxation and provide an energy boost to cells. This can ensure an increased willingness to complete activities of daily after a good night’s rest. 

You should aim to eat 2 or 3 of these foods every day. You can try to include lettuce in a salad for lunch, banana with cinnamon as a snack, and cherry juice before going to bed. If you do not notice an improvement after one to two weeks of this diet, you should see a doctor for further assessment. 

Other foods, like coffee, green tea and guarana also stimulate the central nervous system and can boost energy levels. However, they should be consumed before 5pm to prevent insomnia, as they can disrupt sleep at night. 

Energy recipes 

Some recipes can be prepared at home to fight fatigue, such as: 

1. Açaí with banana

Eating a bowl of açaí can provide quick energy. It is also rich in iron, which boosts red blood cell production and treats anemia. 

Ingredients

  • 100 g açaí pulp
  • 1 banana;
  • 1/2 cup of water 

How to prepare

Mix all ingredients in a blender for 3 minutes, and store in the fridge for a few minutes. When serving, you can add nuts or natural granola. 

Although it is a healthy option that gives you more energy, this snack should be consumed in moderation, as it is high in calories. 

2. Orange and papaya juice

This is another great recipe to combat fatigue as it contains a small dose of iron and vitamin C, which improve mood and revigorate your energy. 

Ingredients

  • 1 slice of melon
  • 1 orange
  • 1/2 papaya 

How to prepare

Mix all ingredients in a blender and drink daily for one month to achieve results. If your fatigue persists after this time, you should see a doctor for bloodwork, like hemoglobin, iron and ferritin. 

3. Orange and strawberry juice 

This recipe is also rich in iron and vitamin C, which can be useful for the treatment of fatigue and anemia. It also releases bioflavonoids, which promote wellbeing.

Ingredients

  • 3 oranges
  • 1 cup of strawberries 
  • 1/2 cup of water

How to prepare

Mix all ingredients in a blender and drink. This juice can be consumed on a daily basis.

What causes excessive fatigue? 

Excessive fatigue can occur for several reasons, like lack of sleep, heart problems, depression, anxiety, infections, anemia, nutritional abnormalities or overworking. Learn more about what causes excessive fatigue and how to treat it.

Excessive fatigue is also common in pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. The body is going through many changes during this phase on a physical and hormonal level, leading to more energy burning and decreased sugar levels. To prevent excessive fatigue in pregnancy, nutrition, fluids and rest are advised.