There’s more to energy-boosting snacks than the standard processed protein bar – fresh, everyday foods such as nuts, fruits and veggies can pump you up and provide vitality for your gym workout or those slow days at the office!

If you’re fuelling up on sugary energy drinks throughout the day, it’s likely that the brief high you experience will lead to a draining energy crash later on. Opt to revive your energy levels with organic food instead to get the most out of your gym workout and keep you focused at the office – all without the nasty crash!

Here are three top superfoods to add to your shopping list.

Spinach

The dark, leafy green that gave Popeye the energy to beat the bad guys can be a source of vitality for you too!

Spinach is a veggie that is rich in iron, a mineral that aids in transporting oxygen throughout the body, boosting energy levels.

You can add spinach to a delicious raw salad with fresh mushrooms, parsley and lemon-yoghurt vinaigrette or whip up a truly tasty raw smoothie with avocado, cucumber, zucchini, medjool dates and pear.

Almonds

Keep a snaplock bag of soaked or activated almonds ready at your desk for the inevitable 4pm slump!

These nutritious nuts are packed with powerful antioxidants including vitamin E which helps to maintain healthy blood vessels and protect cells from damage. They are also low in sugar and a low GI food, meaning they provide sustained energy – no crash risks here!

They are also very alkalising, and high in protein and calcium. Just be sure to soak your almonds for six to eight hours to neutralise the phytic acid which can act as a mineral blocker in your body. Better yet, take it one step further and dehydrate them for 24 hours with some Himalayan Crystal Salt and organic olive for a super sweet taste and crunch!

Hemp

Hemp is super high in bioavailable for protein and has the correct omega-6 to omega-3 ratio required for your body. This helps keep the brain and immune system functioning optimally and gives you long lasting energy.

You can purchase hemp from your local health food store as hemp seeds – great to sprinkle onto salads with a wonderful nutty flavour or purchase as a protein powder and add to your smoothies for an instant energy hit!

For a healthy lunch snack, use hemp seeds in our delicious sunflower seed cracker recipe or create some tasty breakfast balls to eat on the go.