Are you plagued by the constant craving for sleep? If you’ve lost that spring in your step, spend half your day yawning, and long for you...
Are you plagued by the constant craving for sleep? If you’ve lost that spring in your step, spend half your day yawning, and long for your Sealy Posturepedic in the middle of the afternoon–and your name isn’t Rip Van Winkle–you may need to make a change to your diet.
Yes, there are foods that can fight fatigue and restore your vim and vigor. Here are just a few.
1. Oatmeal
Skipping breakfast is a big no-no, especially if you’ve been fighting exhaustion. Rather than opting for a pop tart or sugary cereal that will give you a short-term energy rush followed by the inevitable sugar crash, enjoy a wholesome bowl of oatmeal goodness.
Oatmeal is a whole oat, so it is digested more slowly than highly processed carbohydrates. This prevents spikes and drops in blood sugar levels–and energy. It also promotes a healthy digestive system, helping you avoid constipation. After all, it’s hard to feel peppy when you’re all blocked up.
Oatmeal also contains a plethora of other nutrients that battle fatigue, including magnesium, thiamin, phosphorus, and protein.
One caveat, however, is that not all oatmeals are created equal. Avoid instant varieties and pick, instead, a large flake oat. It may take a tad bit longer to prepare, but the health benefits–and energy boost–will be well worth it
2. Dark Chocolate
Yes, chocolate–of the dark variety, anyway–is another great food for fighting fatigue. And tantalizing your taste buds. A study conducted at the U.K.’s Hull York Medical School examined patients suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Half were given authentic dark chocolate, while the remaining half had white chocolate dyed brown. The dark chocolate consumers experienced much less fatigue.
Why? It is believed that the Polyphenols found in dark chocolate cause increased serotonin levels, a chemical in the brain that is related to feelings of happiness.
One word of caution, however, is that only a small amount of dark chocolate is required to fight fatigue. Boo! Too much can lead to weight gain, which will only increase lethargy.
Read more about the healing powers of chocolate.
3. Yogurt
Yogurt is special in that it provides a quick burst of energy that lasts a long time. Why? Your body processes it quickly due to its soft consistency; however, its high levels of protein make it an enduring source of pep.
Plus, yogurt’s probiotics keep your digestive system healthy–fighting the bad bacteria and any other evil-doers it finds along the way. Researchers have found a link between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and an inadequate amount of good bacteria–probiotics–within the digestive tract. Adding two helpings of yogurt each day dramatically improved the symptoms of fatigue among test subjects.
And, as an added bonus, yogurt is available in a huge variety of flavors, ensuring that there is one for every palate.
4. Melon
When it comes to fatigue, being a “melon head” is not a bad thing. After all, fatigue is a symptom of dehydration and the best way to add water to your system is to drink water or eat a water-laden food. Water can get boring after a while. This is where the melon comes in to play.
Melons can give you a much-needed break from glass after glass of the clear stuff. The watermelon, for instance, is 90 percent water. It will satiate your body’s need for H2O, while giving you a low-calorie, sweet treat.
5. Eggs
Yes, the humble egg is a powerhouse when it comes to waging war on weariness. If you lack vitamin B-12, your fatigue could be due to anemia–and eggs pack a healthy punch of this nutrient. Anemia can also be caused by a deficiency of iron. Eggs are an excellent source of iron, as well.
Packed with protein–six grams in just one–the egg helps maintain normal blood sugar levels. And, the egg can be prepared in a huge variety of ways–making it a very versatile option for any meal of the day.
By eating the right foods, you can welcome back your former energetic self. So, stop pressing “snooze,” kick back those sheets, and embark on a new day filled with oomph.
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