ten 10 energy-boosting foods A hectic lifestyle can mean you don’t always eat as well as you should – and you could end up paying the consequences. But there are some simple additions to your diet that can make all the difference Writing | Jenna Farmer
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n our usual lives, many of us turn to caffeine and fast food to give us the energy we need to get through the 9-to-5. And now, in more uncertain times, we can feel more emotionally and mentally drained than ever. If you find yourself struggling to stay awake in the evening, or battling energy crashes post-lunch, it could be time to take a look at your diet. While no one food is a miracle energy-booster, here we share 10 foods that, when added to your diet, could make a real difference to your energy levels. 1. Oats Instagram may be full of trendy smoothie bowls, but you don’t need powders and ‘superfoods’ to feel good. In fact, the humble oat can be a great breakfast staple that’s really inexpensive. Oats contain soluble fibre – a great ingredient for your gut health – and release their energy much slower than some other carbohydrates. This slow release, combined with the fact oats are higher in protein than other grains, prevents sugar spikes (which can then lead to energy crashes later on in the day) and keeps you full for longer.
2. Spinach Many women suffer with low iron levels, and this can really impact their energy – leaving them feeling fatigued and out of breath. Red meat is a good source of iron, but so is spinach – and other green vegetables like broccoli and kale. Non-meat-based sources of iron are thought to be absorbed better when they’re combined with vitamin C, so tuck into an omelette packed with leafy greens and a glass of orange juice to start your day.
3. Eggs Did you know that eggs are actually a nutritional powerhouse? We know egg whites are a great source of protein, but don’t forget the yolks, which are a super source of vitamin D (something we all need during the colder months), and vitamins E and K. Nutritional therapist Jodie Brandman says: “Eggs are a great source of protein and healthy fats, so they release their energy slowly, preventing energy dips. The choline in the egg yolk supports >>>
