Tired of being tired? Your diet could be to blame. Nutritionist Robert Hobson gives us his five top tips for perking up your energy levels – for good.
1 Don’t miss out on minerals
Many women lack iron, so have a higher risk of anemia, which can result in chronic tiredness and fatigue. Find it in lean red meat, oily fish, dark green leafy veg, dried fruits, eggs and wholegrains. Or try taking an iron supplement*.
2 Keep it lean
Fatty, rich foods can hamper digestion, and leave you sluggish. Eat lean, fresh food as much as possible, with plenty of fibre from brown rice, oats, lentils and pomegranate seeds.
3 Skimp on supper
Make this the smallest meal of the day; overeating in the evening can disrupt sleep as your body continues to digest food. A protein-based dinner such as fish and steamed green veg, is a good choice.
4 Boost your B vits
Vital for converting food into energy, they’re easily lost in cooking. Ramp up foods such as eggs, green leafy veg, wholegrains and mushrooms to get your fill. For extra fatigue fighting power, try a supplement.
5 Power up in the morning
Start as you mean to go on with a perk-me-up smoothie. This one has complex carbs, protein, iron, B vits, and omega-3.
Blend 3 tbsp oats, 150ml skimmed milk, 1 ripe banana, 150g low-fat probiotic yoghurt, a handful of blueberries and 2 tsp ground flaxseed (Makes 2 glasses).
*If you are pregnant, breast-feeding or under medical supervision, consult your doctor before taking supplements.
Robert Hobson is a registered nutritionist and runs two consultancies. He has been involved in the last two series of Channel 4’s Secret Eaters and Super Size v Super Skinny, visit www.roberthobson.co.uk to learn more