There are some sneaky foods out there, undercover all unassuming and Clark Kent-like, but inside them contain the super power to completely change your day for the better. When you need a boost, these should be your go-to snacks.

To Get Going in the Morning

Pumpkin Seeds

These jack-o-lantern leftovers have a whole lotta magnesium which keeps your energy and metabolism running like a Jaguar. Sprinkle a quarter cup into scrambled eggs, yogurt, or cereal.

Yerba Mate

This South American tea revs you up with caffeine and two other stimulants--the phytochemicals theobromine and theophylline--so you're wide awake for your big meet-and-greet. Try Guayaki fair-trade loose-leaf.

Dried Apricots

Glucose is your noggin's fuel of choice. Natural sugars in apricots boost blood-glucose levels, which sag while you get your Z's. You also get a healthy dose of the iron that's essential for transporting oxygen to your gray matter and muscles.

Plain Low-Fat Yogurt

Acting as coenzymes that break down food, the B vitamins plentiful in this creamy cultured treat help generate the energy stored in whatever carbs you have for breakfast. Wolf it down no more than an hour before go time.

Before the Workout

Whey Protein

Consuming the types of essential amino acids found in whey powders during resistance exercise suppresses cortisol--a stress hormone that can hinder muscle building. Before weight workouts, mix half a scoop into your water bottle.

Low Fat Ricotta Cheese

The protein in this lasagna staple comes mainly from whey (not true of other cheeses), so it's full of the best amino acids around to pump you up and speed recovery. Scientists in Finland tested the effects of different types of protein before and after exercise and found that whey protein was the best for building lean muscle.

Cherries

Studies show that anthocyanins squelch muscle inflammation and the pain that can come with having an overzealous trainer. Cherries are full of 'em. Stash a couple dozen (fresh or dried) in your bag to have after your last set.

To Super Charge Your Brain

Sage

In a study in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, researchers in England showed that young adults taking sage-oil extract had noticeably better word recall. Sage contains phytochemicals that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.

Blueberries

A daily blueberry fix can help you do away with those shaky-cue-card hands during that big presentation and can increase memory performance.

Edamame

Greener than Al Gore, immature soybeans are plump with iron and folate, which keep your cerebral power lines humming. Folate has been shown to reduce the amino acid homocysteine, too much of which can impair brain function.

Mood Boosters

Dark chocolate

Flavonoid-rich dark chocolate relaxes blood vessels, holding stress-induced blood-pressure spikes in check. A German study found that chomping on chocolate reduces negative moods, so you'll be able to tune out annoying coworkers.

Brown Rice

Carbs help the amino acid tryptophan cross from the blood into the brain, where it's used to make the mood-boosting, calming compound serotonin. Beware the bleached-out bread basket: Refined carbs can make your mood go sour by dessert.

Acerola Juice

Feed your face with this tart treat. It packs 3,000 times as much vitamin C as OJ, and women who get a lot of C have more vibrant skin and fewer wrinkles, reports The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. And nothing boosts mood like looking good.