October 18, 2016
High energy foods to see you through autumn
Those of you who are heading into or are in the midst of the autumn season right now may already be struggling with energy levels. Whether you suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – which you can find out about here – or the cold weather is just leaving you struggling, there are ways that you can make yourself feel more energised.
One great way to boost your energy levels is to fill your diet with foods that will keep you going and help you get through the season. While you can turn to sugary, fatty and high-caffeine foods for a quick boost, these will impact your health negatively and could leave you feeling more tired in the long-run.
Instead, make sure your diet is full of healthy energy-rich foods. This will keep you feeling great and stop you putting on the pounds this season. Here are some great foods you can try:
Water
To start with, you should make sure you’re getting enough water every day as it is responsible for ensuring nutrients that provide energy are transported throughout your body. It also helps to flush out toxins that can make you feel tired and fatigued.
Start your day with a glass of water to give your brain a boost and stay hydrated throughout the day to keep energy levels up.
Quinoa
Rather than reaching for heavier carbohydrates, add quinoa to your diet to boost your energy levels while also looking after your heart. Quinoa contains a lot of protein and nutrients, which help to provide long-lasting energy compared to rice, bread and pasta.
Pumpkin seeds
This seasonal ingredient is packed full of energy thanks to the high protein, healthy fat and fiber content, making roasted pumpkin seeds a great snack this autumn. You can either eat pumpkin seeds on their own or add them to meals for extra energy and texture.
Salmon
We all know that salmon is great for your cardiovascular system due to the high amount of omega-3 fatty acids it contains, but it is also good for energy. This is because it contains lots of niacin and riboflavin, which help with converting food into energy. Adding salmon to your diet could help you get the most out of your food.
Mushrooms
A portion of mushrooms provides a big dose of iron, which helps to transport oxygen in your blood. This, in turn, ensures that every part of your body gets enough oxygen, which helps to fight fatigue. Getting enough iron is an important part of feeling awake and energised.
Eggs
Starting your day off with eggs could help you power through due to the high amounts of protein they contain. They help to keep your muscles healthy and refresh your body for the day ahead, giving you a solid energy foundation to build on.
