10 Foods That Make You Feel Extra Tired & 10 That Can Give You Energy
Are you feeling extra tired throughout the day and can't figure out why? Turns out it might not be sleep-related at all; it might have to do with what you eat! What we put into our bodies has a much bigger role than just keeping us alive - it can affect our energy levels too. Here are 10 foods you didn't know can make you feel more tired & 10 foods that can give you the energy boost you need.
1. Candy
Ever heard of a sugar crash before? Well, as you know already, candy is awfully high in sugar meaning you're likely going to experience one if you eat too much. Although candy might give you a quick energy boost for a moment, you're going to get a fast drop in blood sugar levels that is going to make you feel exceptionally tired after. Not really worth the trade, don't you think?
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2. Fried Foods
Fried foods are a big culprit when it comes to feeling tired. Your fast food favourites from French fries and fried chicken to restaurant staples like spring rolls and crab rangoon, are all high in fat and can take longer for your body to digest. This is why you're feeling so sluggish! All your energy is being directed at this digestion process.
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3. Sugary Cereals
Eating sugary cereal for breakfast feels like the same thing as eating dessert right in the morning. These cereals might feel like energy boosters when you get your first spoonful, but just like candy, you're going to experience a quick drop in blood sugar. This cycle of spike and crash disrupts your energy levels and will make you feel even more tired than when you just woke up.
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4. Red Meat
Although you might imagine eating a big chunk of juicy steak might revitalize you, it actually does the opposite. While red meat is rich in protein and iron, it's also high in fat, which takes a lot for your body to digest. Breaking down these fatty and protein-rich foods is a lot more taxing than you might think!
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5. Processed Cheese
Sorry Kraft singles lovers, turns out processed cheese might the reason why you're feeling so tired all the time. Full of preservatives and additives, these can weigh heavily on your digestive system, completely sapping your energy. We can only imagine it might be worse if you're lactose intolerant!
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6. Pastries and Doughnuts
High sugar foods are back at it again, and this time in the form of your favorite pastries and doughnuts. Providing you with that immediate, but short-lived little burst of energy, your sugar rush from these delicious goodies will be quick to end. Turns out that doughnut in the morning with your coffee might be the source of your tiredness!
7. Soda
Loaded in sugar, soda is one beverage that definitely has a lot of negative effects on your health, energy levels included. Drinking these on the regular is likely causing your energy levels to experience a cycle of ups and downs, making it harder for you to stay focused throughout the day.
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8. Alcohol
Since we're at it, we're throwing alcohol on this list too. While some people might assume alcohol wakes you up and makes you more lively, it really does the opposite. It slows down your brain, makes you feel groggy, and can totally disrupt your sleep.
9. White Pasta
No food is safe from this list - even your beloved pasta! While we love carbs, you might be sad to hear that white pasta made from refined flour (which lacks fiber), can play a serious role in making you feel tired throughout the day. While you thought it was just candy, turns out white pasta can also lead to a quick release of glucose into the bloodstream followed by a rapid decline. That might explain your teetering energy levels.
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10. White Bread
Here's the final blow: everyone's favourite carb, white bread, is a hidden culprit of low levels of energy. Similar to white pasta, white bread is high in refined carbohydrates and low in fiber, leading to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels followed by quick declines. Who knew so much of what we eat everyday can have such a big impact on our bodies?
1. Bananas
You've probably heard this many times before, but it's true! Bananas are great sources of energy, which make them excellent snacks to munch on before or during exercise. Or hey, if you just need to get through the day too. They're rich in carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin B6, all of which have been studied to help boost energy levels. You might want to consider throwing one in your lunch bag...
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2. Oatmeal
For a powerful energy boost in the morning, look no further than oatmeal to provide all that you need. This whole grain gives you that long-lasting energy you want, and it's all thanks to its high fiber content, B vitamins, and complex carbohydrates. What a hearty and delicious way to wake yourself up in the morning.
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3. Eggs
Wake up in the morning to the delicious taste of eggs cooked whichever way you prefer: scrambled, fried, or boiled. These powerhouses of energy might be small in size, but they're big in positive effects. Containing loads of healthy nutrients that help improve your energy levels, how could you possibly say no?
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4. Almonds
Easy to snack on, mess-free, and great for on the go, almonds might just become your new favourite snack thanks to their portability and great benefits. They're fantastic energy-boosting foods that will keep you alert all day long so you don't have to worry about falling asleep in your meetings.
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5. Yogurt
Rich in protein and simple carbohydrates, yogurt is a popular snack or breakfast treat that many people enjoy for its energy benefits. These nutrients work together to provide a steady source of energy for you - and that's on top of tasting so good! As an added bonus, the probiotics found in yogurt can also help in digestion.
6. Spinach
Have you ever wondered, "Why do I feel so awake and energized after eating spinach?" well, here's your answer. Because no, you weren't tripping out; spinach is loaded with tons of healthy goodies like iron, magnesium, and potassium which all have a role to play in keeping you energized and alert. No wonder Popeye loves this stuff!
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7. Sweet Potatoes
Fans of sweet potatoes are going to love this one - as an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, this vegetable is actually an incredibly energizing one. Great taste and great benefits? Sign us up! On an even better note, they're also very high in vitamins A and C which help support your energy metabolism.
8. Salmon
Salmon is the fish that does it all. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, both these things come together to create excellent energy production for the body. Not only does it help reduce inflammation which is often a culprit of fatigue, it also helps to slow down digestion so you're not randomly crashing in the middle of the day.
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9. Apples
Turns out getting the energy you need might be as simple as looking in your fridge and pulling out an apple to eat. These everyday fruits are associated with health for a good reason after all! Loaded with natural sugars and fiber which help provide sustained energy release, apples can do wonders for your energy levels.
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10. Quinoa
For all our gluten-free friends out there, quinoa is another great option to consider adding to your diet if you want steady sources of energy throughout the day. This powerful grain provides all nine essential amino acids, which basically means it's an amazing complete protein source. Easy to add in your salad or to make a delicious bowl with, grab some quinoa at your grocery store during your next haul!
