Wake up and fill your trolley with these nutrient-rich goodies
How often do you find yourself crashing out halfway through the day and struggling to keep your eyes open? A lot of the time those feelings of extreme tiredness and fatigue are down to your diet so we’ve found 10 foods you should try to boost your energy levels.
Yoghurt
The combination of protein and guthealthy probiotics rapidly reduce tiredness levels and have long-lasting effect due to its balance of protein and carbohydrates.
Crimini mushrooms
These are a source of vitamin B6 which is a must for energy production. It protects the mitochondria from damage and in times of stress, supports adrenal glands and niacin which help to convert foods into usable energy.
Pumpkin seeds
A handful of these can help give you an energy surge in the middle of the day. A source of protein, healthy fats, fibre and essential minerals, they can be eaten plain or sprinkled over salads and cereal.
Water
If you aren’t getting eight glasses a day, start. Dehydration is one of the main causes of tiredness, slowing down your metabolism and making your brain run slower.
Sweet potatoes
Keep your carbohydrate cravings at bay by bringing more of this under-rated vegetable into your diet. The slowly digested starch can help you feel full and the vitamin C will help fight colds and illnesses which naturally make you feel more tired.
Salmon
Is there anything our favourite fish can’t do? Its riboflavin content helps create usable energy from the food you eat, but it is also filled with energy-boosting vitamin B6. It’s a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids too which reduce exercise-induced fatigue and improve physical task performance.
Eggs
If these aren’t part of your morning routine, they should be. They’re an excellent way to enjoy sustained levels of energy without the insulin spikes or sugar crashes that eating a lot of sweet breakfasts like cereal and pastries can result in.
Oats
Seriously filling and packed with protein and fibre, oats are great for people who experience blood sugar spikes and drops. Choosing plain versions is best as they have less sugar and you can then get creative and add fruit, honey and milk as you wish.
Spinach
Popeye had the right idea getting his musclepower from our favourite green. Rich in iron, which improves mitochondrial efficiency, these greens make it easier for cells to convert the food you’re eating into usable energy.
Nuts
Great for replenishing and boosting energy postworkout, these are perfect for putting electrolytes back into your body that are lost during exercise. They’re filled with protein, fibre and magnesium which keeps your energy levels high and stable too.
