Are you perpetually feeling tired despite clocking in your eight hours of sleep? Well, it could be your food habits. Food impacts our energy levels in a big way. Have you noticed how after a heavy meal you feel sluggish and can barely move? That’s because your body is using its energy to digest the meal instead of powering the rest of your body. So next time you’re feeling tired and blah, don’t reach out to those sugar-loaded energy drinks, instead, try these energy-boosting healthy food items.
1. Nuts And Seeds
Feeling low on energy? Grab a handful of nuts or seeds such as almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. Nuts and seeds are a great source of magnesium, vitamins and selenium. They make for a perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up snack.
2. Banana
Bananas are cheap, easily available and full of nutrition. They contain potassium, fiber, vitamins, and the perfect amount of carbs to boost energy. It is recommended to athletes and cyclists as well for an instant boost.
3. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is a rich source of protein and probiotics. It aids in improving digestion, which in turn cuts the feeling of sluggishness. It can be combined with other energy-boosting ingredients such as oats, nuts and fruits for a power snack
4. Chia Seeds
Chia seed is packed with good fats, carbs and fiber that keeps you feeling good for long hours. It also contains omega 3 that makes it anti-inflammatory. Add two spoons to your morning bowl of smoothie, or add it to yoghurt for a mid-afternoon snack. You can even add a spoon to your water bottle and keep sipping it through the day.
5. Sweet Potatoes
A good source of high-fibre carbs and potassium, sweet potatoes keep electrolytes balanced, so you don’t feel dehydrated, and lower blood pressure and stress, keeping lethargy at bay.
6. Oranges
We all know that oranges are an amazing source of vitamin C. Being energy-boosting and rich in antioxidants, it keeps mood swings away and prevents fatigue.
7. Oats
A lot of fibre and very little carbohydrates–oats are the perfect to start your morning with, especially when you’re running low on energy.
8. Dark Chocolate
An easy item to carry around, cocoa is rich in flavonoids, which fights free radicals that cause oxidative stress on your body. Make sure your dark chocolate is less in sugar and milk and rich in cocoa.
9. Berries
Craving something sweet? Grab delicious berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. They have lesser sugar content than other fruits, and still manage to satisfy cravings. As they are rich in antioxidants, they reduce inflammation and fatigue.
10. Water
Lastly, water is the most important energising ingredient. It keeps all the cells and organs in the body rejuvenated. Even mild dehydration can lead to tiredness. Go and grab a glass of water right away!
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