We usually think food would increase our energy levels but in fact certain food and drinks can deplete our energy. certain nutrients or processed foods can actually require way more energy for our bodies to break down than they are giving us, causing us to feel either an immediate heavy slump (like a greasy takeaway) or leaving us starving and not our most functional a mere hour later.
So what food and drinks should you avoid?
REFINED CARBOHYDRATES
Both refined carbs and hidden sugar in “health foods” that have little to no fibre content aren’t doing us any favours.
Those foods like White pastas, breads, crackers, candy, juices, granola, etc. These make your blood sugar spiking dramatically, leaving you slumped and exhausted an hour later. Foods like oatmeal and rice can be healthy but can affect everyone differently.
That being said in small quantities they can be helpful for example oatmeal or porridge is a great source of fibre and other nutrients, just be sure not to buy those instant packets full of sugar and flavouring or add sugar to them.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol is actually a depressant, which is why it makes you feel calm and sleepy. Alcohol has been shown to affect our circadian rhythm by decreasing the important REM stage of sleep. A glass or two of wine with dinner isn’t going to hurt us. But making it a habit to consume more than two drinks regularly (like, five-plus times a week, regularly) can be a bit of a problem.
OVERCONSUMPTION OF CAFFEINE/COFFEE
Caffeine actually blocks the hormone adenosine that makes us sleepy. So when the caffeine wears off and we have high levels of adenosine, we’ll feel the fatigue again. Caffeine also stimulates the release of cortisol, aka our major stress hormone, and having too much cortisol can cause stress and fatigue.