Good to know! Energy zapping foods

OHMYGOSSIP – Ever suffer from that mid-morning or mid-afternoon (or both!) slump? Well it might not have anything to do with your sleep the night before, and everything to do with the food you recently ate.

Nutritionist Zoe Bingley-Pullin has given Daily Mail Australia the rundown on what foods zap the most energy from us. First up it’s your reliable cup of coffee. Yes, that caffeine hit you rely on daily may actually be doing you zero favours. “Not only is coffee a diuretic, it actually stops your absorption of fluids and leaches out iron. All resulting in you ending up with less energy long term,” Zoe noted.

She adds that while caffeine will give you a short term boost in the energy stakes, this declines rapidly and will leave you even more tired after. And as you step away from the coffee, make sure you ditch energy and diet soft drinks too. “With anything that is synthetic your liver has to metabolise it,” the diet expert said. “It’s working harder than it should, leaving you tired.”

Zoe continues to explain that foods with a high salt or sugar content are also a no-no, as they cause your glycemic index to spike, meaning you’ll be on a high for a bit, before crashing down to no energy.

White bread is another culprit, which could explain why so many people feel sluggish after lunchtime.

©OHMYGOSSIP/ Helena-Reet Ennet

During the day, if you’re hit with a snack attack then load up on a handful of nuts or an apple. If you’re after something sweet, try dipping apple chunks into a little peanut butter. For lunch opt for salads, full of grains and pulses. Avocado is also filling and makes a colourful edition to your plate. Protein like fish, chicken and boiled eggs will also give you afternoon energy. It’s fine to drink coffee, but maybe restrict to one or two cups a day. Fill the void with green tea, and begin the day with a hot lemon to kick start your metabolism.

Featured image: ©OHMYGOSSIP/ Helena-Reet Ennet

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