Eat like a CEO: Foods to fuel a busy day

Check out these 10 power foods that will keep even the busiest of CEOs on their A-game through busy, stressful days.

Long days, stressful meetings, always on the go… sound familiar? We may not all be CEOs but our days sure resemble theirs! Making smart food choices during jam-packed days can be tough, but keeping these 10 power foods in mind will help you remain healthy and energized to tackle whatever comes your way.

• Pumpkin seeds — These are filled with magnesium that keeps your energy and metabolism running full steam ahead.
• Avocados — Besides being one of the good fats, avocados are a great source of potassium, helping to ward off high blood pressure (from all those stressful meetings).
• Coffee — That’s right, your beloved cup of joe is actually good for you. Caffeine has been proven a very effective short-term pick-me-up and is great for improving mental focus. Just keep it to 8 ounces or so.
• Water — Nothing earth shattering here. We’ve all heard how important water is, but did you know keeping yourself hydrated can help fight off fatigue? Even mild dehydration can slow your metabolism and sap your energy, so drink up!
• Dark chocolate — Good news, chocoholics. Rich in flavonoids, dark chocolate has been said to relax blood vessels keeping blood pressure spikes in check, a mighty important benefit in a high-stress environment! The caffeine also acts as a stimulant to boost your energy and mood.
• Salmon — Keeping a diet balanced in omega-3s is key to healthy living since our bodies can’t produce them on their own. Salmon can help fight depression and keep your heart healthy.
• Cashews — Along with almonds and hazelnuts, cashews are one of the most protein and magnesium-packed nuts out there, which means they’re great for converting sugar into energy.
• Edamame — High in B vitamins, edamame helps break down the carbohydrates we consume into glucose that fuels your cells. It’s also a really well-rounded snack with carbs, protein and fiber all in one.
• Dried fruit — The natural sugars in dried fruit help boost glucose levels in the body in a much healthier way than sugar for a quick energy boost.
• Quinoa — A naturally gluten-free grain that contains more protein than any other grain or rice, quinoa is an excellent nutrient-packed source of carbohydrates for long-lasting energy levels.

Granola is a great way to pack in a bunch of energy boosting foods on the go. Eat it by the handful or with a bit of milk for a healthy jolt.

Yields about 2-1/2 cups

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa (red, white or a mixture of both is fine)
• 2/3 cup unsalted cashews, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup oats
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (any dried fruit will do)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F and grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Combine the quinoa, cashews, oats, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, salt, cinnamon and brown sugar in a large bowl.
3. Mix together the coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla in a small bowl.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix together well.
5. Spread the mixture out into an even single layer on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring often.
7. Once the granola starts to brown, remove it from the oven and let cool completely.
8. Once cooled, the granola will have formed little clusters and can be packaged in a jar or airtight container.

This crispy salmon is a home run in the health and energy departments! We’re talking heart healthy omega-3s from the salmon, potassium rich avocados and fuel pumping edamame. It’s also easy, quick and pretty darn tasty for dinner.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 3/4 pound wild salmon fillet, cut into 2 pieces
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 3/4 cup shelled edamame, cooked
• 1/2 avocado
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Combine the edamame, avocado and lemon juice in a food processor.
2. With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil and process until it reaches a chunky pesto-like consistency. Season with salt and pepper and give it one more pulse to combine. Set aside.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the coconut oil in the pan.
4. Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
5. Once the pan is hot, place the fillets flesh side down and let cook for about 3 minutes without touching.
6. Once browned and crispy, flip the fish over and cook another 2-3 minutes until it’s just slightly red in the center.
7. Remove the fish from the skillet (the fish should easily slide off from the skin) and plate.
8. Spoon the pesto on top of each filet and serve.

More energy boosting articles

Top 5 high-energy foods
Foods for good moods and energy
10 Ways to boost your midday energy levels