We all know the feeling of being low on energy. You’re dragging yourself through the day, struggling to keep your eyes open and wondering when you can finally lie down and rest.
Many factors can contribute to this fatigue, including stress, lack of sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle. But what you may not realize is that your diet can also play a role in how energetic you feel.
Certain foods can sap your energy and leave you feeling even more exhausted than before. If you’re struggling to get through the day, look at your diet and see if any of these foods could be the culprit.
1. White Bread
If you’re eating a lot of white bread, you may be feeling tired because your body is working overtime to process all the refined carbohydrates. White bread is made with bleached flour that has had the bran and germ removed, and this process strips away many of the nutrients found in whole wheat bread, including fiber, B vitamins, and iron.
Eating refined carbohydrates can cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash, leaving you tired and drained. Try whole wheat bread or a grainy loaf if you’re looking for an energy-boosting alternative to white bread.
2. Low-Calorie Foods
Many people think eating low-calorie foods is an excellent way to lose weight, but these foods can make you feel more tired, and that’s because your body has to work harder to digest them.
Low-calorie foods are often high in fiber, which can be difficult for your body to break down. In addition, these foods often contain artificial sweeteners and other additives that can cause fatigue. If you’re looking for a healthy way to lose weight, focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods.
3. Canned Soup
Canned soup is a quick and easy meal, but it’s not necessarily healthy. Many soups are high in sodium, which can cause you to feel tired and bloated. In addition, many canned soups contain MSG, a flavor enhancer linked to fatigue.
If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to canned soup, try making your own at home with fresh ingredients. You can also find healthy soups in the freezer section of your grocery store.
4. Chips
Like canned soup, chips are often high in sodium and MSG. In addition, they’re typically made with refined carbohydrates that can cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash. Try roasted nuts or seeds if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to chips.
5. Processed Meats
Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, and deli meat, are high in fat and sodium. They can also be difficult for your body to digest, leaving you tired and sluggish. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to processed meats, try leaner pork, chicken, or beef cuts.
6. Alcohol
You may think that a glass of wine will help you relax and fall asleep, but alcohol disrupts your sleep cycle and can cause you to wake up feeling exhausted. In addition, alcohol is a diuretic, which means it can make you feel dehydrated and cause you to urinate more frequently.
If you’re looking for a way to unwind at night, try drinking herbal tea or reading a book before bed.
These are just a few of the many foods that can sap your energy. If you’re struggling to get through the day, take a look at your diet and see if any of these foods could be the culprit.
