10 SUPERFOODS TO KEEP YOUR ENERGY LEVELS UP Posted on 14 July 202110 December 2021 by Michelle Jones Feeling sluggish at the end of the day and tempted to head home instead of hitting the gym? We’ve all been there. But these high-energy foods are an easy and quick way to cleanse your body and kick-start your metabolism, to keep you going for the entire day and well past your post-work workout. There’s no need to spend the Earth on these super foods either. As a low cost gym, we know that it’s important to shed the pounds while holding onto the pounds in your pocket. We’ve selected 10 of the best, most affordable super foods out there. These foods are tasty, filling and wholesome enough to keep you going and feeling energised: 1. Wheat OK, this might raise a few eyebrows as a lot of people claim that wheat makes them feel bloated. However, many wheat intolerant souls are actually reacting to the residues of pesticide left on the wheat from certain farming methods rather than the wheat itself. We would recommend trying whole wheat bread made from organically grown wheat. Suddenly your sandwiches might not just seem a lot more tasty, they could give you a great midday boost. 2. Brown rice Brown rice might take a lot longer to cook than its white rice contemporary, but the brown stuff is much better for you. It will keep you fuller for longer and has also been found to help with digestive problems and stress. 3. Oats Oats are high in calcium, magnesium, potassium, protein, vitamins E and B, and a whole host of other stuff too. This makes them a truly super food to combat tiredness and stress, as well as improving your skin. 4. Lentils Lentils are a great kitchen staple, but unfortunately us Brits don’t eat nearly enough of these cheap and colourful chaps. Try introducing lentils into your diet by swapping your regular pasta for lentils instead – your energy levels will thank you. 5. Sesame seeds Sesame seeds are easy to integrate into your diet; Just choose bread that’s already topped with these super seeds or sprinkle them on your morning muesli. There’s also a delicious dessert called halvah that is made from pounded sesame seeds and honey, which is also rumoured to enhance sexual vigour and vitality! 6. Spinach Packed with iron, we know that Popeye was onto a good thing with this leafy green vegetable. Spinach is best eaten raw, as cooking can make it harder for the body to absorb all that iron. 7. Sprouted seeds Sprouted seeds are a secret super food that are cheap and easy to grow. These days, they now feature on most supermarket shelves and can be added to salads, sarnies and stir-frys. 8. Apricots If you’re trying to bring down your sugar intake, try some of nature’s candy in the form of apricots. Whether fresh or dried, you’ll feel the immediate energy benefits of this super little fruit. 9. Walnuts Packed with potassium, zinc, iron and protein, walnuts are a great energy resource. We’d recommend eating them in salads rather than on top of a walnut whip. 10. Almonds If you’re starting to hit the wall, try a handful of almonds to boost your energy levels. Now that you’ve got these energy boosts, you’ll be able to get that workout (or the last few reps) in! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
BOOST YOUR ENERGY LEVELS Posted on 14 July 202125 November 2021 by Michelle Jones Energy is essential in this sleep-deprived, overstretched, high-speed world. But how do we recharge our batteries when there is always something we need to do? DIET Have a look at what you are eating – a balanced diet will supply your body with all of the vitamins and minerals it needs. Try to cut out sweet foods, as although you may get an initial burst of energy through a spike in blood sugar, it will soon be followed by a rapid drop in blood sugar, which in turn can leave you feeling wiped out. Eat more whole grains and protein-rich foods, which provide a slow and steady release of energy to your body. THINK ABOUT YOUR MEALS Not only is the type of food you consume important, but also the time of day and how often you eat. If you are struggling for energy during the day, why not try: Eating bigger meals in the middle of the dayYour digestion is much more active during the day, allowing your body to use food for energy more effectively. At night, the body naturally begins to slow down and it is harder to digest. Eating smaller, more frequent meals Instead of three substantial meals, eat five to six smaller meals every three hours or so. Small meals won’t weigh you down like heavy meals, and eating more frequently will keep your energy levels steady. EXERCISE The idea of exercise when you feel exhausted may sound unbearable, but it will boost your energy more than almost anything else you can do. It stimulates your heart and oxygenates your blood. Plus, if you exercise, you will lose weight…Those excess pounds also consume energy! TAKE TIME TO YOURSELF One of the biggest energy zappers is stress, as anxiety uses up a big proportion of our energy, and can leave you mentally and physically exhausted. Taking time to relax will reduce tension and that will help increase energy. Try taking a bath, reading a book, listening to music, having a quiet cup of tea, or trying a new yoga pose. You could also have a power nap, which research shows can make you more alert and productive. DRINK MORE WATER Our bodies use water every day for sweating, exhaling, urinating, and bowel movements. Research has shown that staying hydrated is necessary for the brain to function at optimal levels. Even minor dehydration can cause impaired concentration, headaches, irritability and fatigue. GET UP AND STRETCH! Regular stretching does more than keep your muscles and tendons in a healthy state; it also keeps the brain’s arteries open and unclogged. Maintaining a free flow of oxygenated blood to our most vital organ is an excellent way to create more vigour in your life! THINK POSITIVE AND PLAN AHEAD! Negative thoughts drain your energy, whilst positive thoughts replenish it. So try to focus on the good things in your life, and surround yourself with enough positive people so you can keep your energy level up, as other’s low moods can bring you down. Planning further ahead will also have a positive impact on your attitude – constantly having things to look forward to is a great way to increase vitality! Get a calendar and start booking in dates – a holiday, catching up with your family, a day out with friends, “me time”, special events… Writing each one will make you focus on your social life – something we often neglect! If you feel consistently sluggish, we would advise you to talk to your doctor, as they can speak to you about your specific symptoms.
