The things you’re consuming for energy could actually be having the opposite effect
Are you constantly feeling ‘wrecked’ despite getting as much sleep as possible and living what you think is a fairly healthy lifestyle?
The problem might be in the food and drink you’re consuming on a daily basis. If you’re relying on certain beverages, snacks or treats to keep you going into the evening, there’s a strong possibility they’re doing you a disservice.
According to Ashleigh Tosh, nutrition expert at Prepped Pots, these are five foods that can make us feel tired and lethargic.
Coffee
Regular coffee drinkers will find that coffee will give them a quick burst of energy and alertness but will leave them feeling fatigued and in need of more coffee. This caffeine crash can be worse if you enjoy your coffee with added sugar. To avoid this, go easy on the sugar and stick to the recommended daily amount of 400mg.
Nuts
Nuts are a great healthy snack that can provide you with a boost of energy but only if you consume the right amount. Overindulging can have the opposite effect and its high levels of healthy fats could end up promoting tiredness. Stick to the recommended serving of 30 grams per day, this is around one small cupped handful.
Fruit smoothies
Store-bought fruit smoothies are packed with sugars and often lack the protein and fibre needed to keep your energy levels up. The high sugar content can cause you to crash around midday. For better alternatives, consider making your own smoothie at home and don’t forget to add a source of protein or healthy fat, like nut butter.
White bread
Refined carbs like white bread, bagels and pasta are digested quicker than complex ‘good’ carbs. This means your body is likely to experience a short and quick spike in blood sugar levels before crashing. This is similar to what happens when we eat too much sugar. To avoid this, try and opt for whole grain options instead.
Energy bars
Contrary to the name, energy bars can lead to an energy crash due to their high sugar content and added sweeteners. When buying energy bars, check out the fibre and protein content and look for one with a short ingredients list. The less there is, the better.
The good news
Thankfully, it’s not all bad news. Ashleigh says: “A lot of us love our morning coffee fix to help wake us up and there’s nothing wrong with that.
“This list doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy these foods, it’s all about making better choices. Swap your bread and pasta for whole grain alternatives and when buying things like energy bars and smoothies, take a good look at their ingredients list and what’s in them.”
