What Foods Will Improve My Energy Levels?

This time of year does very little for our productivity levels. The darker days after Christmas can make us feel lethargic, and the lack of vitamin D and sunshine often leaves us tired and run down. There isn’t much we can do about the weather, but we can eat certain foods to improve our energy levels and help us stay focused during the day.

Rule out a food intolerance

Fatigue is one of the main symptoms of having a food intolerance, so taking an intolerance test will rule out the possibility that what you are eating is having a negative impact on your body. There are also certain foods you can eat that are known to sharpen your mind and improve concentration, which will help increase your productivity levels. So, while it might be tempting to flick on the kettle to make another coffee or reach for the biscuits when the mid-afternoon energy slump kicks in, we have some alternative options that your brain (and boss) will thank you for.

Eggs

If you want food that will set your brain up for the day, eggs tick many boxes. Full of a B vitamin called choline and highly versatile, eggs will help to improve your memory and reaction time, regardless of whether they’re scrambled, fried or poached. They also make the perfect sandwich filler or can even be eaten hard-boiled as a snack, so if you’re not a breakfast fan or are short on time in the morning, munching on them can sharpen your mind at any time during the day.

Carrots and hummus

Arguably the ideal snack to boost productivity, this combination is delicious and perfect for snacking on at your desk. Carrots contain luteolin, which helps to improve memory, while the Omega 3 fatty acids and amino acids found in hummus can boost your mood and improve intelligence. Hummus is also a great source of protein and will keep you feeling fuller for longer and stop you from reaching for sugary treats.

Apple and peanut butter

Apples are packed full of vitamin C and contain approximately 13g of sugar, making them a better energy source than coffee. Peanut butter is a source of protein that will keep your tummy full and hunger pangs at bay. Team them together, and you have a healthy snack that will give you a nutritious energy boost and stop you from feeling tired and sluggish. It’s also suitable for both vegetarians and vegans, so it’s a good all-rounder that accommodates plant-based diets.

Bananas

In order to stay focused, your brain needs glucose to provide it with energy. One banana provides the daily dose of glucose your body needs to be productive, so it’s the perfect fast food to keep in your bag. Bananas also contain enough carbohydrates to keep you feeling full without the energy crash you get from snacking on sugar-based foods and confectionery.

Green tea

Not strictly a snack, but still worth sipping on during the day, green tea will help you stay focused and alert thanks to the caffeine in contains along with an amino acid called L-theanine. It’s also known to boost your metabolism, reduce blood pressure and lower your cholesterol, so drinking a cup of the green stuff is a good option if you need a warming energy fix on a cold day.

If you’d like to learn more about our intolerance tests and how they can improve your health and energy levels, please email to [email protected] or fill out the contact form on our website.