Your body's energy comes from what you eat. The best way to get the most energy from your food is to ensure you’re giving it the best quality food possible.
Besides what you eat, when you eat can also impact your energy. Have you ever notice how sluggish you can be after a big lunch or dinner? The reason for this is, your body is using energy to digest that big meal, instead of powering the rest of your body.
The easiest way to avoid the feeling of tiredness is to eat several smaller-portioned meals, with a good range of foods, throughout the day. This will keep your body fuelled and will also keep you feeling fuller for longer.
There are several food tips and ideas which help to elevate that feeling of tiredness.
Avoid processed foods: Processed foods, such as some packaged or canned foods, ready meals and precooked meats are typically full of preservatives, additives, sodium, trans fat, and artificial ingredients. These foods will leave you feeling sluggish and tired and contain very little nutrition. Where possible, always prepare your own meals.
In season fruit and vegetables: The fresher your food is, the more nutrients it will contain. Unlike processed foods that may be stripped of nutrients for a longer shelf life, fresh foods typically contain higher nutrients. Eating in-season fruits and vegetables means they ripened naturally. Think of the motto: fresher is better!
Caffeine: Caffeine is fine in moderation, and it has been shown to provide some health benefits. However, it only gives a short-term feeing of an energy boost. Sady, caffeine doesn’t actually provide the body with any energy.
Whole grains: Just like processed foods, refined carbohydrates like sugar and white flour add little nutrition. Choosing whole grain foods and complex carbohydrates ensures that your body gets the full benefits of the grain and it adds that extra fibre. This will leave you feeling full and less tired.
Good foods to help when feeling tired:
Bananas: Bananas are packed with potassium, fibre, vitamins. They have the perfect amount of carbohydrates that provide you with a big boost of natural energy. It's a tasty and easy snack.
Oats: They’re not just for breakfast. A big bowl of oats packs a punch of filling fibre and even has a little protein. Plus, it’s good for people who experience blood sugar spikes, and drops, when eating other processed breakfast cereals.
Chia Seeds: While you might not be training for an endurance exercise event, chia seeds are an excellent source of prolonged energy thanks to carbohydrate content, healthy fats and filling fibre.
Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are some of the best foods to beat fatigue and fight that hunger feeling. Getting a variety of nuts and seeds in your diet can provide healthy nutrients and energy. Try almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. Eating raw and unsalted is better for you.
Water
Drinking water is essential for the optimal functioning of your body. Not only does it help to rid the body of waste, it also helps facilitate the energetic processes in the body. Water is needed to help release the energy for the foods you eat.
Sip on water throughout the day and try to swap out any sugary drinks, coffee etc. for a glass of refreshing water. This simple change can make a big difference!
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