If you ever feel lethargic or fatigued after you eat, you're eating the wrong
foods. It's that simple. The trick is to choose foods that release energy more
slowly and give you a gradual boost of long-lasting energy -- and to stay away
from high-glycemic foods that deliver an immediate, short-lived boost but leave
you feeling sluggish and tired.
foods. It's that simple. The trick is to choose foods that release energy more
slowly and give you a gradual boost of long-lasting energy -- and to stay away
from high-glycemic foods that deliver an immediate, short-lived boost but leave
you feeling sluggish and tired.
Eating the right foods is especially important if you're already feeling
fatigued due to the stress of a hectic lifestyle, whether it stems from
physical, mental, or emotional overexertion. After all, fatigue isn't just a
nuisance; if ignored, it can become chronic and put you at increased risk for
disease.
fatigued due to the stress of a hectic lifestyle, whether it stems from
physical, mental, or emotional overexertion. After all, fatigue isn't just a
nuisance; if ignored, it can become chronic and put you at increased risk for
disease.
But here's a tip: You can fight fatigue, and you can do it with every bite you
eat. These five foods fit the bill and then some, as they're also easily
digested and rich in nutrients that are essential to helping your body convert
food into energy.
eat. These five foods fit the bill and then some, as they're also easily
digested and rich in nutrients that are essential to helping your body convert
food into energy.
Oatmeal
Although oatmeal isn't particularly low on the glycemic index, it outranks
almost every other breakfast cereal and most whole-grain breakfast products.
Oatmeal is also regarded as a super food when it comes to supporting digestive
health. For those reasons, many medical practitioners and nutritionists not only
allow their diabetic patients to eat oatmeal but actually encourage it,
especially since oatmeal helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.
almost every other breakfast cereal and most whole-grain breakfast products.
Oatmeal is also regarded as a super food when it comes to supporting digestive
health. For those reasons, many medical practitioners and nutritionists not only
allow their diabetic patients to eat oatmeal but actually encourage it,
especially since oatmeal helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Why it works: Carbohydrates
spend the least amount of time in the stomach, which means you get a quick boost
of energy. But unlike processed, sugary cereals, whole oats don't result in a
sugar crash. The high dietary fiber content in oats helps you feel full longer,
preventing overeating throughout the day, which can lead to weight gain,
sluggishness, and fatigue. Fiber is also crucial to healthy digestion; the
soluble fiber in oats feeds the beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract and
prevents energy-draining constipation.
spend the least amount of time in the stomach, which means you get a quick boost
of energy. But unlike processed, sugary cereals, whole oats don't result in a
sugar crash. The high dietary fiber content in oats helps you feel full longer,
preventing overeating throughout the day, which can lead to weight gain,
sluggishness, and fatigue. Fiber is also crucial to healthy digestion; the
soluble fiber in oats feeds the beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract and
prevents energy-draining constipation.
In addition to its high fiber content, oatmeal provides magnesium, protein, and
phosphorus, three nutrients that significantly and directly affect energy
levels, making it an ideal food for fighting fatigue. It's also a good source of
vitamin B1 (thiamin), which is crucial for producing energy. Symptoms of too
little B1 include a lack of energy and loss of appetite. Along with other
nutrients, vitamin B1 helps support the breakdown and conversion to energy of
the food we eat.
phosphorus, three nutrients that significantly and directly affect energy
levels, making it an ideal food for fighting fatigue. It's also a good source of
vitamin B1 (thiamin), which is crucial for producing energy. Symptoms of too
little B1 include a lack of energy and loss of appetite. Along with other
nutrients, vitamin B1 helps support the breakdown and conversion to energy of
the food we eat.
When to eat it: Eat
oatmeal first thing in the morning for instant energy. Breakfast is especially
important because it replenishes energy reserves and sets the tone for your day.
oatmeal first thing in the morning for instant energy. Breakfast is especially
important because it replenishes energy reserves and sets the tone for your day.
How to enjoy it: Go
for old-fashioned, minimally processed organic oats, and avoid the instant and
flavored varieties. Hint: Look for oats labeled "Scottish," "Irish,"
"steel-cut," "thick cut," or "Old-fashioned," and you'll be on the right track.
for old-fashioned, minimally processed organic oats, and avoid the instant and
flavored varieties. Hint: Look for oats labeled "Scottish," "Irish,"
"steel-cut," "thick cut," or "Old-fashioned," and you'll be on the right track.
Extra credit: Sprinkle
protein-rich flaxseed or nuts on top of your oatmeal for longer-lasting energy.
protein-rich flaxseed or nuts on top of your oatmeal for longer-lasting energy.
2-Yogurt
Yogurt is so creamy and flavorful, it can seem like a dessert masquerading as a
health food. But the truth is, it's really good for you, thanks to a power play
of protein and gut-healthy probiotics.
health food. But the truth is, it's really good for you, thanks to a power play
of protein and gut-healthy probiotics.
Why it works: Because
it's soft, your body processes yogurt more quickly than a solid food, making it
a great source of quick energy. But while you get a rapid result, it's also
long-lasting, thanks to a good ratio of protein to carbohydrates. Protein stays
in the stomach longer than carbohydrates, which translates into a steady source
of energy.
it's soft, your body processes yogurt more quickly than a solid food, making it
a great source of quick energy. But while you get a rapid result, it's also
long-lasting, thanks to a good ratio of protein to carbohydrates. Protein stays
in the stomach longer than carbohydrates, which translates into a steady source
of energy.
Yogurt also contains probiotics, beneficial bacteria that help maintain a
healthy gut ecosystem by protecting against pathogens and helping your body
eliminate harmful bacteria. Like fiber, probiotics are a powerful digestive aid.
Recent research from the University of Toronto suggests that probiotics can help
ease symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome; in the study, probiotic
supplementation appeared to boost levels of the amino acid tryptophan in the
brain. Tryptophan is famously known as the component in turkey that makes you
sleepy, but it's also a precursor of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps
induce sleep and promote feelings of calm and tranquility, helping to combat
both physical and emotional fatigue.
healthy gut ecosystem by protecting against pathogens and helping your body
eliminate harmful bacteria. Like fiber, probiotics are a powerful digestive aid.
Recent research from the University of Toronto suggests that probiotics can help
ease symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome; in the study, probiotic
supplementation appeared to boost levels of the amino acid tryptophan in the
brain. Tryptophan is famously known as the component in turkey that makes you
sleepy, but it's also a precursor of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps
induce sleep and promote feelings of calm and tranquility, helping to combat
both physical and emotional fatigue.
When to eat it: Absolutely
any time. Aside from its health benefits, one of the best things about yogurt is
its versatility. It's a great afternoon or pre-workout snack because it will
give you a quick hit of energy. But you can also add healthy toppings like oats,
ground flaxseed, nuts, and fruit to make a hearty breakfast. The plain variety
works well at the dinner table in place of sour cream or as a salad dressing
base, and you can doctor it up with frozen berries for dessert.
any time. Aside from its health benefits, one of the best things about yogurt is
its versatility. It's a great afternoon or pre-workout snack because it will
give you a quick hit of energy. But you can also add healthy toppings like oats,
ground flaxseed, nuts, and fruit to make a hearty breakfast. The plain variety
works well at the dinner table in place of sour cream or as a salad dressing
base, and you can doctor it up with frozen berries for dessert.
How to enjoy it: Go
for the Greek. Greek yogurt contains about twice the amount of protein as the
regular kind, and it has a richer, creamier consistency, which makes it seems
like an indulgence. Choose organic whenever possible.
for the Greek. Greek yogurt contains about twice the amount of protein as the
regular kind, and it has a richer, creamier consistency, which makes it seems
like an indulgence. Choose organic whenever possible.
Extra credit: Make
yogurt your go-to breakfast at least three times a week for great digestive
results. Bonus points if you choose low-fat, plain yogurt and add your own
healthy toppings -- try honey and golden raisins for a sweet snack.
yogurt your go-to breakfast at least three times a week for great digestive
results. Bonus points if you choose low-fat, plain yogurt and add your own
healthy toppings -- try honey and golden raisins for a sweet snack.
Spinach
Spinach is chock-full of nutrients that are essential for battling fatigue and
helping our bodies perform at their peak. Not only is spinach one of the most
iron-dense food sources on earth, it's also extremely rich in magnesium and
potassium and is an excellent source of energy-supporting B-vitamins.
helping our bodies perform at their peak. Not only is spinach one of the most
iron-dense food sources on earth, it's also extremely rich in magnesium and
potassium and is an excellent source of energy-supporting B-vitamins.
Why it works: Iron
plays a direct and important role in fighting fatigue. It's a known energy
booster, helping the body produce energy by delivering oxygen to the cells and
enabling them to perform optimally. Without sufficient oxygen, our cells slow
down and can even shut down altogether. Low iron levels can cause both physical
and mental fatigue, as well as anemia. Symptoms of anemia include tiredness,
lack of energy, weakness, trouble concentrating, apathy, insomnia, and loss of
appetite. Spinach and other leafy greens offer a high rate of iron for an
extremely low caloric intake. Spinach also happens to be an excellent source of
vitamin C, which boosts iron absorption. Magnesium is another mineral that plays
a vital role in the production of energy. In fact, it's involved in hundreds of
enzymatic reactions throughout the body and directly affects our cardiovascular,
digestive, and nervous systems; muscles; kidneys; liver; and brain.
plays a direct and important role in fighting fatigue. It's a known energy
booster, helping the body produce energy by delivering oxygen to the cells and
enabling them to perform optimally. Without sufficient oxygen, our cells slow
down and can even shut down altogether. Low iron levels can cause both physical
and mental fatigue, as well as anemia. Symptoms of anemia include tiredness,
lack of energy, weakness, trouble concentrating, apathy, insomnia, and loss of
appetite. Spinach and other leafy greens offer a high rate of iron for an
extremely low caloric intake. Spinach also happens to be an excellent source of
vitamin C, which boosts iron absorption. Magnesium is another mineral that plays
a vital role in the production of energy. In fact, it's involved in hundreds of
enzymatic reactions throughout the body and directly affects our cardiovascular,
digestive, and nervous systems; muscles; kidneys; liver; and brain.
Magnesium is necessary for the production of energy, proper digestion, and the
regulation of nerve and muscle tone. It's no wonder that a lack of magnesium can
cause our brains and bodies to slow. Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is one
of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the U.S. Even a slight deficiency
can result in reduced energy levels, which causes your body to work harder and
can lead to exhaustion. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include imbalanced
blood sugar levels, depression, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, muscle spasms,
muscle soreness, body tension, low energy, fatigue, difficulty sleeping,
confusion, and lack of appetite.
regulation of nerve and muscle tone. It's no wonder that a lack of magnesium can
cause our brains and bodies to slow. Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is one
of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the U.S. Even a slight deficiency
can result in reduced energy levels, which causes your body to work harder and
can lead to exhaustion. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include imbalanced
blood sugar levels, depression, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, muscle spasms,
muscle soreness, body tension, low energy, fatigue, difficulty sleeping,
confusion, and lack of appetite.
Like magnesium, potassium also helps muscles and nerves function properly.
Physical overexertion is a common cause of potassium deficiency, but it can also
occur if you become dehydrated due to illness or for any other reason. Symptoms
of potassium deficiency include muscle weakness, confusion, and fatigue.
Physical overexertion is a common cause of potassium deficiency, but it can also
occur if you become dehydrated due to illness or for any other reason. Symptoms
of potassium deficiency include muscle weakness, confusion, and fatigue.
When to eat it: For
the amount -- and array -- of nutrients packed into these leafy greens, we'd all
be better off if spinach made an appearance at every meal, every day. But let's
be practical. Incorporate spinach into your diet as much as you can, as often as
possible. Try steamed spinach and organic, farm-fresh eggs for breakfast; tuck
spinach into your sandwich at lunch; layer it in your lasagna at dinner. You get
the idea.
the amount -- and array -- of nutrients packed into these leafy greens, we'd all
be better off if spinach made an appearance at every meal, every day. But let's
be practical. Incorporate spinach into your diet as much as you can, as often as
possible. Try steamed spinach and organic, farm-fresh eggs for breakfast; tuck
spinach into your sandwich at lunch; layer it in your lasagna at dinner. You get
the idea.
How to enjoy it: You
don't have to resort to a spinach salad or side dish at every meal. Spinach is
so mild you can add it to just about anything -- soups, stews, casseroles, dips,
smoothies, and stir-fries.
don't have to resort to a spinach salad or side dish at every meal. Spinach is
so mild you can add it to just about anything -- soups, stews, casseroles, dips,
smoothies, and stir-fries.
Extra credit: Fold
pureed spinach into baked goods. No one but you will be the wiser, and everyone
will be a little healthier for it.
pureed spinach into baked goods. No one but you will be the wiser, and everyone
will be a little healthier for it.
Nuts
and seeds
Nuts and seeds are nutrient-dense foods packed with high-quality protein and
healthy omega-3 fats. Depending on the type you choose, you'll also get decent
amounts of manganese; magnesium; phosphorus; iron; copper; riboflavin; vitamins
B1, B2, B5, and B6; and tryptophan -- all of which are involved in the
production of energy.
healthy omega-3 fats. Depending on the type you choose, you'll also get decent
amounts of manganese; magnesium; phosphorus; iron; copper; riboflavin; vitamins
B1, B2, B5, and B6; and tryptophan -- all of which are involved in the
production of energy.
Why they work: Pumpkin
seeds, almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts are all good sources of magnesium, which
helps fight muscle fatigue. The tryptophan found in sesame seeds, sunflower
seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, walnuts, and almonds battles emotional fatigue
and promotes sleep, which can ease physical weariness. And all nuts and seeds
are excellent sources of high-quality protein that our bodies can convert into
lasting energy.
seeds, almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts are all good sources of magnesium, which
helps fight muscle fatigue. The tryptophan found in sesame seeds, sunflower
seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, walnuts, and almonds battles emotional fatigue
and promotes sleep, which can ease physical weariness. And all nuts and seeds
are excellent sources of high-quality protein that our bodies can convert into
lasting energy.
But what makes nuts and seeds such potent weapons in the war against fatigue is
that they're a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are known as
essential fats because they're the only fats our bodies actually require. These
healthy fats not only lower the glycemic index of foods but are also a superior
energy source. Fats stay in the stomach longer than carbohydrates and proteins;
the result is a slow-burning fuel that provides long-lasting energy. Omega-3s
help maintain healthy cells and are found naturally in almost all nuts and
seeds. Flaxseeds and walnuts are particularly rich in these healthy fats.
Omega-3s (and frequent consumption of nuts in particular) have been found to
reduce the risk of becoming obese and aid in weight loss by slowing digestion,
which results in a prolonged feeling of fullness, preventing extra snacking that
can lead to weight gain, a common contributor to fatigue. Finally, these
essential fatty acids boost mood, helping to win the fight against emotional
fatigue.
that they're a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are known as
essential fats because they're the only fats our bodies actually require. These
healthy fats not only lower the glycemic index of foods but are also a superior
energy source. Fats stay in the stomach longer than carbohydrates and proteins;
the result is a slow-burning fuel that provides long-lasting energy. Omega-3s
help maintain healthy cells and are found naturally in almost all nuts and
seeds. Flaxseeds and walnuts are particularly rich in these healthy fats.
Omega-3s (and frequent consumption of nuts in particular) have been found to
reduce the risk of becoming obese and aid in weight loss by slowing digestion,
which results in a prolonged feeling of fullness, preventing extra snacking that
can lead to weight gain, a common contributor to fatigue. Finally, these
essential fatty acids boost mood, helping to win the fight against emotional
fatigue.
When to eat them: A
daily dose of nuts is the way to go. Regular, moderate consumption is the key to
reaping the health benefits of nuts and seeds. Prepack single servings to take
with you during the day, and stash servings in the car as well as your desk,
purse, or briefcase so you always have a healthy snack on hand. A serving is one
ounce (about a small palmful).
daily dose of nuts is the way to go. Regular, moderate consumption is the key to
reaping the health benefits of nuts and seeds. Prepack single servings to take
with you during the day, and stash servings in the car as well as your desk,
purse, or briefcase so you always have a healthy snack on hand. A serving is one
ounce (about a small palmful).
How to enjoy them: Nutrition
experts agree that combining protein and carbohydrates is one of the basic
equations for immediate yet lasting energy. Carbohydrates are converted into
energy right away, and protein provides a gradual boost. Some good
protein-carbohydrate combinations include almond or peanut butter on whole grain
toast, or a piece of fruit and some nuts.
experts agree that combining protein and carbohydrates is one of the basic
equations for immediate yet lasting energy. Carbohydrates are converted into
energy right away, and protein provides a gradual boost. Some good
protein-carbohydrate combinations include almond or peanut butter on whole grain
toast, or a piece of fruit and some nuts.
Extra credit: Buy
and eat nuts and seeds raw whenever possible for the best nutrition. Raw almonds
are so sweet you'll never go back to the roasted variety
and eat nuts and seeds raw whenever possible for the best nutrition. Raw almonds
are so sweet you'll never go back to the roasted variety
Beans
Beans have been called a miracle food, and with good reason. Along with the
numerous other health benefits they provide, beans are on the frontlines when it
comes to fighting fatigue. Beans are a concentrated source of stable,
slow-burning energy due to their unique nutritional composition: All types are
low in fat, high in fiber, and provide a good balance of carbohydrates and
protein. Take your pick of beans; they have a low glycemic rating (to help you
avoid blood sugar spikes) and are loaded with a rich array of minerals including
potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and iron, all essential to producing
energy. Additionally, super-performing beans -- especially soybeans -- are a
good source of tryptophan.
numerous other health benefits they provide, beans are on the frontlines when it
comes to fighting fatigue. Beans are a concentrated source of stable,
slow-burning energy due to their unique nutritional composition: All types are
low in fat, high in fiber, and provide a good balance of carbohydrates and
protein. Take your pick of beans; they have a low glycemic rating (to help you
avoid blood sugar spikes) and are loaded with a rich array of minerals including
potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and iron, all essential to producing
energy. Additionally, super-performing beans -- especially soybeans -- are a
good source of tryptophan.
Why they work: The protein and
high fiber content in beans work together to help balance blood sugar and
prevent spikes and dips in energy. The fiber also promotes digestive health,
encourages bowel regularity, and helps prevent constipation and weight gain.
Thanks to the protein in beans, you get a gradual source of lasting energy.
Beans make a terrific replacement for red meat, another rich source of protein
and iron, but beans are lower in calories and are nearly fat-free. In addition,
beans place a lesser burden on the digestive system than red meat, requiring
less energy to be assimilated into the body. In other words, you're a lot more
likely to feel tired and heavy after eating a steak than you are after eating a
serving of beans.
and iron, but beans are lower in calories and are nearly fat-free. In addition,
beans place a lesser burden on the digestive system than red meat, requiring
less energy to be assimilated into the body. In other words, you're a lot more
likely to feel tired and heavy after eating a steak than you are after eating a
serving of beans.
The manganese and copper in beans protect the mitochondria in our cells that are
responsible for energy production, while magnesium relaxes nerves and muscles
and keeps blood circulating smoothly, keeping physical and mental fatigue at
bay. Vitamin B1 (thiamin) contributes to energy production, and, along with
potassium, supports proper muscle and nerve function. And last -- but not least
-- there's iron. Iron not only helps produce energy, it also boosts oxygen
distribution throughout body, easing mental fatigue. Iron provides immune system
support as well -- and a healthy immune system makes you less susceptible to
fatigue in all its forms.
responsible for energy production, while magnesium relaxes nerves and muscles
and keeps blood circulating smoothly, keeping physical and mental fatigue at
bay. Vitamin B1 (thiamin) contributes to energy production, and, along with
potassium, supports proper muscle and nerve function. And last -- but not least
-- there's iron. Iron not only helps produce energy, it also boosts oxygen
distribution throughout body, easing mental fatigue. Iron provides immune system
support as well -- and a healthy immune system makes you less susceptible to
fatigue in all its forms.
When to eat them: Beans can
work at any meal. Try some simple combinations for different times of day.
- Beans for breakfast: For a healthy version of
huevos rancheros, skip the tortilla and cheese, and top one cup of black
beans with two poached eggs, half an avocado, and a side of salsa. - Beans for lunch: Make it easy with simple swaps.
Substitute a black bean patty for your beefy burger, or try a cup of
vegetarian chili in place of the soup du jour. - Beans for dinner: Try three-bean salad. Mix a half
cup each of red kidney beans, cannellini beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas),
diced red onion, and diced green bell pepper. Toss with a tablespoon of
olive oil, two tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and a handful of chopped
fresh parsley. Tip: It gets tastier if you let it marinate a few hours
before serving.
How to enjoy them: Don't banish
beans to the realm of side dishes and salad toppings. Beans make a great snack
food, too. Snack on boiled soybeans topped with a sprinkling of sea salt, or
make a simple dip by blending one cup of any type of beans, a tablespoon of
olive oil, one chopped garlic clove, and spices to taste.
Extra credit: Sneak some
spinach into your bean dip for added nutrition. Bonus points if you serve it
with crudités.
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