In the summer most of us find it easier to get up in the morning and good weather tends to boost our mood, making us feel happier and full of energy. If however you are not feeling a spring in your step, then it just may be down to your diet. Try boosting your system with foods that give you more energy.
Missing breakfast will most likely set you on the path of an energy slump by mid morning. Try eating slow releasing energy food like oats as soon as you get up, it will digest slowly so you do not feel hungry and will balance your blood sugar levels. Porridge is a great option or an oat based cereal or if you are pushed for time a cereal bar or flapjack made with oats will do – just watch the sugar and fat levels.
Drinking loads of water is the mantra of all super models… but it does make good sense, dehydrated bodies can’t properly expend heat which reduces your energy levels. Lots of fluids count – tea & coffee (although decaf is better), fruit tea is very effective at kick starting energy levels whereas coffee or black tea can unsettle blood sugar levels, water, milk, squash and so on.
Two litres a day is recommended for most people.
Eating little and often is now considered a good idea as it maintains stable blood sugar levels – choose healthy snacks in between meals. Dried bananas or apricots will provide a slow release of sugar helping to keep you alert. If you are not good at portion control then you may want to consider snack packets containing just the right amount.
If you often have a mid afternoon slump that leaves you feeling sleepy and wanting to raid the cookie jar then try eating some chicken at lunch. Chicken contains amino acid tyrosine that leaves your brain feeling alert. Also try to avoid carbohydrates like pasta or baked potato, as these produce serotonin that may leave you relaxed and tired – save these for your evening meal.
Often low energy levels are due to a lack of iron; this is because iron is needed to carry oxygen around the body. If you do not get enough oxygen you become lethargic. Nuts, seeds, lean red meat, eggs, oily fish, baked beans and dark green vegetables are all good sources. Green vegetables have a very low sugar content and some are best eaten raw – try watercress, spinach and rocket in salads, as well as the iron these will boost your folic acid and magnesium levels.
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