Eat for All-Day Energy

It’s already cold outside and as the temperatures get progressively cooler, it will make it that much harder for us working women to execute the time-honored roll out of our beds every day.

One way to land on your feet at the start of the day is making sure to eat foods that are not only healthy, but also give you that much-needed boost of energy before heading to the office. Here are five prime examples of energy foods recommended on the Food Network’s Web site that you should use to fill up your pantry … and your tummy!

1. Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries
Not only are these members of the berry family high in vitamins and fiber, they also pack a punch full of antioxidants! The antioxidants found in berries are believed to enhance brain function and decrease stress.

2. All About Nuts
Almonds, pecans and pistachios are rich in protein, while walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are hearty healthy. Sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds are also good for your heart, because they contain phytosterols or plant sterols, which lower cholesterol. Sesame seeds are also high in calcium and Vitamin E.

3. Vegetables: Not just for Health Nuts
Carrots, sweet potatoes and leafy green vegetables contain carotenids, a pigment that the body converts to Vitamin A, and are helpful in maintaining healthy skin and hair, making your vision sharper and providing protection from sunburn. Broccoli and spinach, on the other hand, are lla

4. Whole Grain Your Life
Grains contain many of the same antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables, and nutrients such as protein, B vitamins, minerals and fiber are found in them. Eating whole grain also helps prevent heart disease, some cancers, obesity and diabetes; not to mention stabilizing blood sugar and resulting in being less hungry between meals.

5. Salmon, Fella?
Like all fish of the sea, salmon is a great source of protein and low in saturated fat. But salmon, and other cold-water fish, such as mackerel and herring, are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are fats our bodies can’t produce, making them something everyone should be sure to include in a diet. These acids, as mentioned earlier, are good for your heart, but omega-3 acids also minimize the symptoms of arthritis and inflammatory diseases, as well as helping with depression.

6. Fabulous Fiber
According to Chrisy O'Connor of Cincinnati-based Personal NEWtrition, fiber literally slows down your digestion process. Thus, you feel fuller, longer. So, start your day with a Fiber One bar, spike your water with Benefiber – a flavorless, colorless and water-soluble ingredient – or take a fiber supplement before every meal. Whichever fabulous fiber option you decide upon, it's sure to reduce your post-meal cravings by making your body slow down to enjoy all that food you consumed.