If the winter months have zapped your energy levels then follow these top tips for restoring optimal health!
As the seasons change so too does the choice of foods we can add to our diet. Eating in season, when fruit and vegetables are at their best, also means your body gets the nutrients it needs to make the most of the spring and summer months.
What we eat can affect our blood sugar levels and when they fluctuate they give us the perception of energy highs and lows. “People misunderstand the concept of energy and energy-providing foods,” says Sarah Schenker, a registered dietician.
“All foods provide energy, whether it’s in the form of fats or carbohydrates. To manage what we perceive as our energy levels one of the best things we can do is eat foods that release energy slowly. That way, you’re keeping blood sugar levels more stable.”
Eating light amounts of carbohydrates and foods with low GI could help manage your energy levels. “Wholegrain basmati rice, porridge oats, and vegetables that have carbohydrates in them, such as sweetcorn and baked potatoes, are good options, but avoid big plates of pasta, bread and too much cereal,” Sarah says.
Eat in season
There are many seasonal vegetables we can add to our diets such as spring greens, watercress, rocket, chicory and asparagus. “Instead of going for the stodgy, warming winter foods, add things like butternut squash to stir-fry, eat sweet potato instead of mashed potato, and rice and couscous dishes where you can add lots of salad vegetables. You can also have lighter protein such as skinless chicken and low-fat cheese,” says Sarah.
Build your energy levels
Adding energy-rich supplements to your diet could also give your body a boost:
To build general vitality try Panex Ginseng. It could help maintain your energy and stamina, as well as aid concentration and memory.
B vitamins are important as one of their functions is to help release the energy we get from food. “It’s unlikely you’re deficient in B vitamins but it may be you don’t have optimum intake of them. That can be the result of a poor diet that’s not well balanced,” Sarah says.
Three top tips for extra energy
1. Eat early: Try to have breakfast as soon as you get up, even if it’s just a smoothie or glass of juice with a piece of fruit.
2. Maintain a balance: Protein and slow release carbohydrates combined together could help manage energy levels between meals as they keep you feeling fuller for longer.
3. Get outside: A 10-minute walk at lunchtime will help the blood circulate and improve your energy for the afternoon.
4. Book a rejuvenating onsite massage with Xhilarate Office Massage: Delivering professional back, neck & shoulder massages whilst you are fully clothed, the Xhilarate team use gentle manipulations and pressure points to alleviate stress, boost energy levels and leave you feeling instantly calm, revitalised and refreshed.