With the deadlines of nonstop life, how do you fight fatigue and keep going? We’re here to share with you what to eat when you’re feeling beat!
Our schedules are overscheduled and hectic, we have deadlines, things to do and places to be nearly nonstop. We get up early, go to bed late, and rely too heavily on coffee and stimulants to keep us awake and moving through the day. With all of the demands on our time, it’s very easy to get tired and run-down.
The occurrence of fatigue in this country is at an all-time high. Nearly half of all adults who seek medical care complain of fatigue. But, it doesn’t have to be this way. While there are multiple factors that play into feeling fatigued, your daily nutritional habits can have a significant impact on your energy levels and ability to fight fatigue.
Even small changes in your daily diet can have lasting improvements to your energy levels. Listed below are some of the best foods to eat as well as what to avoid!
What to Eat When You’re Feeling Beat
There are certain foods that help to make us drowsy, and others give us stimulation, naturally. These foods have a direct impact on our brain. Our moods and energy levels are controlled by nerve cells in the brain that communicate with the help of neurotransmitters. Changes in the levels of these neurotransmitters can have a significant impact on mood and levels of energy.
What we eat provides the raw materials that are needed to produce these neurotransmitters. Some of the best foods for the production of these brain chemicals include:
- Organic, full-fat (no sugar added) yogurt
- Spinach
- Nuts & seeds, particularly pumpkin seeds
- Beans & lentils
- 100% whole grains (including oatmeal)
- And fish for our Pescatarian friends
Foods such as these that are naturally high in protein boost energy; however, it’s important to consume them with the natural fats that these foods provide. Therefore, getting low-fat or non-fat is not a good idea. These healthy fats are important for absorbing and utilizing certain nutrients, such as the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E & K.
Eating for energy also includes loading up on an abundance of fresh, whole fruits and vegetables to provide a spectrum of the nutrients that the body requires to function optimally. Some of the particular best choices include:
- Citrus fruits
- Dark leafy greens
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Sweet potato
- Bananas
- Berries
- Peppers
- Avocado
Some additional top whole food choices to combat fatigue include:
- Gelatinized maca root
- Turmeric root
- Coconut oil
- Soaked chia seeds
- Raw cacao powder
- Raw coconut
- Green herbal tea (no sugar added)
On the flip side, there are some foods that are particularly bad for fighting fatigue. These foods can produce feelings of sluggishness. These foods can also have a negative impact on our health and overall functioning and can cause stress to the adrenals, the thyroid, and many other organs and systems of the body.
What to Avoid When You’re Feeling Beat
- Soda pop (regular and diet)
- Processed fruit juices
- Processed foods with added sugar
- Dessert foods such as ice cream, pastries, and candy
- White flour foods (bread, tortillas, pasta, and white rice)
- Processed chips and crackers
- Energy drinks
- Coffee drinks with added sugars and flavors
- Any processed foods containing coloring agents, flavoring agents, and preservative chemicals
- Any food or drink containing toxic, processed fats (hydrogenated, trans-fat and vegetable oils)
The best way to eat for optimal energy is to eat a full spectrum of natural foods in the manner that nature intended. It’s also important to eat these foods in a way that will be easily digestible to allow your body to be fully nourished by the food you’re eating.
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