Eating for more energy

Feeling sluggish after the summer? Pile your plate high with these nutritionist-approved foods for when you need a lift

- By Holly Treacy 

Whether it's overtraining, overindulgence, burnout, or hormones wreaking havoc, there are a plethora of reasons why your energy may take a slump. 'How you perceive your energy levels and how you perform in energetic tasks can be influenced by what you eat,' says Lola Biggs, dietician at natural health supplement brand Together Health (togetherhealth.co.uk). 'Your body is designed to capture the energy that is bound within the food you eat, and you must harness the building blocks of your metabolism, which include key vitamins and minerals. Some foods add to and boost our energy levels and there are those that can zap them.'

Rob Hobson, registered sports nutritionist at Healthspan Elite, agrees, and says that the first thing you need to do is ensure you eat the right amount of food to support your energy needs, particularly if you like to burn the candle at both ends. 'Work out a meal strategy that works for you over skipping meals, picking and snacking,' says Rob. 'This could be eating three meals daily or a more significant number of smaller meals depending on your appetite and schedule. Snacks are fine between meals as long as they are nutritious, driven by hunger, and not boredom. A good eating strategy will help you to balance your blood glucose levels, which can help to curb food cravings, brain fog and fatigue.' Try Rob's suggestions to help fuel your body and brain!

1. DARK GREEN LEAFY VEG