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10 of The Best and Worst Foods to Fight Fatigue 

healthy foods to fight fatigue

In today’s world, there are many reasons to make health a top priority. Food can help us feel our best and sometimes, our worst. So, before you blame low energy completely on a stressful lifestyle, consider the ways food might be playing a role. When you’re feeling drained, it is often tempting to reach for a sugary snack. However, that could be doing more harm than good. In fact, sweets and carbs bring down energy levels and can make matters worse. By the same token, there are an array of foods that give you a natural boost. Once you can recognize the energy-supporting foods, you can easily avoid the fatigue-inducing culprits.

The Best-of List

  1. Fresh fruits and vegetables: These contain natural nutrients that help keep the body energized. Among the top foods that fight fatigue are complex carbohydrates like apples, oranges, broccoli, and carrots. Unlike simple carbs, these break down slowly in the system, providing a steady stream of energy to the body.
  2. Proteins: Consuming lean proteins such as salmon and tuna is a great way to fight fatigue. These foods help promote natural energy and also contain omega 3 fatty acids, which can help improve the depressive mood that comes along with feeling sluggish.
  3. Nuts: Many nuts, including almonds, walnuts, and the Brazilian variety, can help boost energy levels with magnesium. This nutrient actually helps turn carbs into energy, making it easier for your body to fuel itself and keep you feeling more revitalized.
  4. Whole Grains: Some of the best foods to fight fatigue include a variety of whole grains such as oatmeal, 100% wheat bread, and whole-grain cereals. Rich in nutrients like vitamin B12, fiber, and protein, they can also help keep blood sugar more stabilized.
  5. Hydrate with Water: Staying hydrated by drinking water is one of the best ways to combat tiredness. Rather than turning to quick-fix sweetened or caffeinated beverages, drinking water gives you energy for the long haul.

The Worst-of List

  1. Processed Grains: Consuming refined carbohydrates such as white rice and pasta can actually make fatigue worse. These foods digest quickly, raising blood sugar and lowering energy levels.
  2. Sugar: If sweets are your go-to when feeling exhausted, they might be doing more harm than good. Similar to savory processed grains, foods like doughnuts or sweetened cereals can also result in a sugar crash that leaves you feeling lethargic.
  3. Caffeine: An interesting culprit, as most of us, turn to caffeine or energy-enhancing beverages for a pick-me-up. However, consuming them in excess can lead to insomnia, which in turn, will leave you drained of energy.
  4. High-Fat Foods: Consuming too much fat can make you feel tired. When a meal is high in fat and low in nutritional value, it can take a toll on your body, resulting in slower digestion and lower energy levels.
  5. Baked Goods: While there are some healthy options, many baked foods like cupcakes and muffins contain sugar and processed carbs, both of which provide only temporary energy followed by a crash.

When You Know Better, You Eat Better

Now that you know how to fight fatigue, you can take the first steps toward a more energized lifestyle. Adopting a diet that fuels your body can help revolutionize your daily routine and jumpstart a life-long journey of wellness. Z.E.N. Foods cares about making nutritious food accessible for you and your family. Check out our meal delivery plans and Wellness Blog for helpful resources.

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