Feeling tired too much of the time? Wondering how best to boost your energy?
We all know that what you eat plays a vital role in how you feel. And, while chocolate or ice cream might lift your mood, chances are the effect will only be temporary.
A healthy, balanced diet is the simplest way to put a spring in your step, achieve your weight loss goals, and maintain healthy weight longer-term.
We'd like to share our tried and tested energy boosters...
Eat at regular intervals
If you eat at regular times, your body knows when your next meal is coming and learns to manage feelings of hunger and sustain your energy levels. Losing and maintaining a healthy weight means looking after yourself - nourishing your body, brain and soul to perform better.
Breakfast boosts your energy
Are you one of the one-third who regularly skips breakfast? Breakfast gives you the energy you need to face the day. Go for something that's filling - to avoid snacking - porridge with fruit, vegetable omelette, or wholemeal toast with a scraping of low-fat spread or jam.
5 A DAY for more vitality
Fruit and vegetables are great sources of vitamins, minerals and fibre, and they can be fresh, frozen, tinned, dried or juiced. Just 5 portions each day will provide the essential nutrients that your body needs to work properly.
Slow-burning carbs give sustained energy
Carbohydrates – or starchy foods - potatoes, bread, cereals and pasta are an important part of a healthy diet. They're a good source of energy and the main source of a range of nutrients, but shouldn't be more than a third of everything you eat. Go for slow-burning wholegrain or wholemeal varieties that release energy gradually.
Sugar steals your stamina
Let's face it, we all eat too much sugar and cutting it out is virtually impossible, and not all sugars are the same.Good: no need to avoid the natural sugars found in lots of foods, including the fruit and veg that make up most of the NoCheck foods list.Bad: sugar loaded drinks or food give you a rush of energy, but one that wears off quickly so cut down or cut out sweets, cakes, biscuits, fizzy drinks and chocolates. We promise, it works!
Iron-rich foods prevent fatigue
According to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey, almost half of women and girls have low iron levels. Being low on iron can make you feel tired and faint, and look pale.While red meats, green vegetables and fortified breakfast cereals can be a good sources of iron, the important thing is to eat a range of foods to get enough iron.
Fluids boost energy levels
Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, 6-8 glasses or 1.5 litres every day is recommended. All non-alcoholic drinks count, but water and lower-fat milk are healthier choices.
Scottish Slimmers advocates energy boosting, mood enhancing, food for all the family, with eating plans that are as tasty and nutritious as they are effective.
We call it winning at weight loss - enjoy!
#Winningatweightloss