Facts About... Eating For Energy

Struggle to get through the day without filling up on coffee and snacks? Fuel up right and inject more vitality into your life…

- Rose Goodman

Our energy levels are determined by a variety of factors, some of which are out of our control, such as age and genetics. Others, such as the amount of sleep we get and what we eat, are completely up to us. The amount of shut-eye we get each night is the biggest variable that affects our energy levels, but our diet can also influence how tired we feel throughout the day.

‘The quality of food is very important,’ says Lyndsey Todd, health and fitness tutor for The Training Room. ‘Avoid quick fixes such as processed and refined foods – these can be calorie-high and nutrient-poor, lacking in the vitamins that are essential for energy production.’

We find out what else the experts suggest.

Enjoy breakfast

‘Don’t miss breakfast,’ says Lyndsey. ‘It’s the most important meal to sustain energy during the first part of your day. Choose a low-GI breakfast – such as muesli, oats, wholemeal bread or a smoothie for a steady release of energy.’ This will help to stop you reaching for unhealthy mid-morning snacks or overeating at lunchtime. Don’t have time in the morning? Try overnight oats. They’re easy to make and may help to keep you feeling full until lunchtime. All you need is oats, milk and a fruit topping of your choice. Layer or mix them together in a jar, seal with a lid and pop in the fridge overnight.

Eat your three meals