Top 10 Busy Mom Power Foods

by Dolce Diet Staff

Busy moms unite! Whether you’re juggling an infant, chasing after a toddler or both, you need to keep your energy up. One of the best ways to do this is by consuming power packed foods.

1. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt stands out as a power food for many reasons. One: It contains double the amount of protein compared with traditional yogurt. Protein takes the body longer to digest, therefore it can help make you feel and stay full for longer. And two: Greek yogurt contains probiotics. These are healthy bacteria that help promote a healthy gut. And by healthy gut, we mean a regular gut. And by regular, well…you know what we mean. 🙂

2.Açai

This trendy berry is rich in antioxidants and increases energy. Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) values measuring the antioxidant power of acai fruit pulp/skin powder reportedly have the highest ORAC value among fruits and vegetables, or 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes.

3. Fruits

Fruits are immune boosters and if there is one thing a busy mom can’t afford, it’s to get sick! The antioxidants in fruit also fight the effects of aging. (High-five, Fruit!)

4. Allium foods

We’re talking garlic, onions, leeks and shallots…you know, breath’s kiss of death! You’ll want to eat these A-listers in their raw state for a power punch of benefits. These veggies help lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots.

5. Wild Salmon

All hail the omega-3 fatty acid foods! Moms, fatty acids equal BRAIN POWER! We’ve all heard of mom brain during AND AFTER pregnancy! These fats are necessary for our health, but the body can’t make them. You have to get them through food. Two crucial fatty acids are EPA and DHA, and they are primarily found in certain fish. They reduce the risk of heart disease and other conditions like atherosclerosis (<- say that 5 times fast). When it comes to fat, you do NOT want to cut back on omega-3's! ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), another omega-3 fatty acid, is found in plant sources such as nuts and seeds. Take note: your body NEEDS these fats to function.

6. Flax seed

Like salmon, flax seed contains omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds also contain omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. You get a lot of power to fight high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes with this seed. Ground flax seed can be added to virtually ANYTHING! Oatmeal, smoothies, yogurt, cereal, etc. Omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function.

7. Peppers

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers– and they all contained a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin is an anti-inflammatory and a pain reliever. (Moms never have aches and pains, right? Yeah, right!) Also, studies have shown capsaicin lowers cancer risk and heart disease! For the record, a peck is a unit of dry volume equivalent to 8 dry quarts. And pickled peppers are never sold by the peck, so what the heck was Peter really picking?

8. Beans

Beans are high in protein and fiber. Fiber will stabilize the blood sugar in the body, which will prevent drops in energy levels and keep you functioning at an even keel. Also, beans are easily digestible, which will keep your body’s digestive system motoring right along.

9. Oatmeal

Oatmeal gives you all-day energy. Like beans, oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which will keep your blood sugar steady.

10. Nuts and seeds

Again with the delicious fatty acids here. Stock up on these easy-to-grab on-the-go snacks: Peanuts, almonds, walnuts and pistachios. They’re all chockfull of good fats and protein.

Top 10 Busy Mom Power Foods