6 Foods That Leave You Fatigued And What To Eat Instead

Are you often yawning or tired, even after having two cups of coffee or a filling meal? If yes, then you must change your diet.

Surprisingly, some of our favorite foods, rather than boosting our energy levels, might become the reason for our fatigue.

It might be time to reconsider your food choices, especially if you crave sugary food or french fries during the afternoon slump.

If you are unaware of what’s draining your energy and want to discover alternatives that can keep you energized throughout the day, keep reading.

1. Sugary Treats

We all want to munch on our favorite treats while working and that candy bar might keep you awake until you finish it, but the crash that follows is not worth it.

Snacks and drinks with high sugar content may give you energy for a short period, but it could also lead to an insulin spike.

When taken frequently and in large amounts, sugary food can take a toll on your energy level by dropping your blood sugar level. It can make you feel fatigued and irritable.

Swap your breakfast cereals containing added sugar with fresh fruits and whole grains to ensure you stay energized throughout the day.

2. Alcohol

While you might drink, hoping that it would fix your sleeping patterns, consuming alcohol can make things even worse. Alcohol can dehydrate your body, preventing the liver from regulating blood sugar levels, which results in energy drainage.

Moreover, the urge to urinate several times can disrupt your sleep and you will feel lethargic the next day. Apart from negatively impacting your sleep cycle, alcohol does a lot more, from giving heart diseases to dementia.

You may not even realize you’re addicted until you start suffering from the physical symptoms of addiction. This is why it becomes crucial to find treatment as early as possible. If your alcohol habits feel like a concern, you must find an alcohol and drug rehab before it’s too late.

Also, to avoid getting dependent on alcohol to sleep, you can drink sparkling water with lemon or herbal tea instead of wine or any alcoholic beverage before bed. It will help your mind relax and give you a good sleep.

3. Fried and Fast Foods

Pizzas, french fries, wedges and other fried foods may satisfy your taste buds, but they can also make you sluggish. Rich in unhealthy fats, these foods result in slowing down oxygen delivery.

Also, fast food can take more time to digest and thus make you feel bloated and less motivated to do anything. The alternative to fried and fast foods are baked and grilled foods.

4. Caffeine

While a majority of people drink coffee when they plan to stay awake, overconsumption can lead to disruption of the sleep cycle and dependency.

Caffeine provides a quick boost of energy, but it also results in dehydration, which causes energy loss.

Thus, keeping your caffeine intake moderate and hydration balanced is crucial. Consider switching that late afternoon coffee with herbal tea or a smoothie made with healthy fruits or nutrient-rich ingredients.

5. Low-Calorie Food

We think we’re making a healthy choice by opting for low-calorie foods, but little do we know that these foods contain artificial sweeteners and preservatives that can leave you feeling fatigued.

Instead of eating low-calorie foods, you can have nutrient-dense whole foods like Greek yogurt, nuts and seeds, as these options provide energy without empty calories.

6. Simple Carbohydrate Rich Food

While picking up white bread instead of a sweet muffin, you may feel proud of yourself for becoming health-conscious, but this choice can be the culprit of your low energy.

Food with refined carbohydrates, like white bread, white pasta, white rice, etc. can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar followed by a crash.

Your diet should contain complex carbohydrates like whole grains, sweet potatoes and quinoa for a lasting source of energy.