POWER UP

Look, we can't live without caffeine either, but make the most of your food choices and you won't need that 3 pm almond-milk latte ever again.

- HEATHER ADAMS

Mussels in Miso Ginger Broth

SERVES 4.

It's difficult to find a more perfect food than miso. Just a tiny bit delivers protein, B vitamins, manganese, vitamin K, copper, and zinc. And because the paste is fermented, the nutrients are more easily absorbed by the body. Combine that with antioxidant-loaded ginger and protein-rich mussels and you've got a power meal.

HANDS-ON: 15 MINS. TOTAL: 30 MINS.

2 tbsp avocado oil

6 green onions, white and light green parts thinly sliced (slice and reserve dark greens for garnish, optional)

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

2 tbsp minced fresh ginger

3 tbsp white miso

2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

4 Ib mussels, scrubbed and debearded cooked rice, for serving, optional

1. In a large pot with a lid over medium, heat oil. Add scallions, garlic, and ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 2 to 3 minutes.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together miso and broth.

3. Add broth mixture and mussels to the pot; stir. Cover and cook until. mussels have opened 6 to 10 minutes.

(Discard any mussels that are still tightly closed.) Serve over rice (if using) and sprinkle with dark scallion greens, if desired.

14 of recipe: Calories: 403, Total Fat: 15 g, Sat. Fat: 2 g, Mono. Fat: 7 g, Poly. Fat: 3 g, Carbs: 22 g, Fiber: 1 g, Sugars: 4 g, Protein: 43 g, Sodium: 1,451 mg, Cholesterol: 90 mg

PUT DOWN THE MUG AND STEP AWAY FROM THE COFFEE MAKER.

While a cup of caffeine can jolt you awake and help clear away the morning fog, when you need a midday boost, food will always be your biggest ally.