Energy Zapping Foods You’ll Want to Avoid
When you have a ton of stuff do to, the last thing you have time for is eating or drinking something that is going to instantly zap your energy and make you feel sluggish the rest of the day. Knowing which items to avoid is key to staying energized and ready to take on the world. Here are a few of the biggest culprits.
Instant oatmeal. Yes, oatmeal is known for sticking to your stomach and making you feel fuller longer. So, this seems like the perfect breakfast option. But not all oatmeal is considered equal. Steel oats, or overnight oats – the kind that doesn’t include artificial flavoring – will stay in your system without weighing you down. But others tend to come equipped with a high sugar content, which will lead to less-than-desirable results.
Salad dressing. This ingredient can single-handedly ruin your efforts for eating a low-cal lunch. Many dressings contain a high amount of fat and sugar, which will inevitably bog you down. If salad alone seems far too bland, opt to top with lemon juice, olive oil and a pinch of seasoning instead.
Pasta. If you have a restaurant outing scheduled with a friend and your destination is known for its pasta dishes, beware the high carb content. While tasty and filling, pasta can leave you feeling sluggish before you make it back to the car.
Fried foods. These are also commonly found on restaurant menus and consumed early in the day when there’s still far too much to do. Fried foods are high in carbs that will slow you down. The best thing you can do to keep your energy levels up is to stick to single-ingredient whole foods without any additives. When you’re scouring the menu, opt for a mood-approved meal.
Juice and soda. As a rule of thumb, clear of daily consumption of sodas and juices. These drinks tend to contain a ton of sugar. Even if you opt for diet, sugar substitutes can leave you feeling hungrier than you normally would, which will cause you to reach for food more often and, inevitably, feel overly full and foggy. Stick to water and tea instead. You can flavor your water with cucumbers, lemons or berries to give it a bit more punch.
Energy eliminating foods will have you asleep at your desk before the day is halfway through. But making a few subtle changes to your daily diet can ensure you’re always revved up and ready to go!
