When it comes to energy levels, there are two main considerations regarding food: what we eat and when we eat.
Think of your energy levels after Christmas dinner – you are lethargic and sleepy. As far as your dormant hunter-gatherer genes are concerned, you have had the only thing your body needs: food. This can make getting through the workday a chore after big, processed breakfasts and lunches.
Opting for smaller meals throughout the day will help your body regulate its energy levels, so let’s look at the best meal choices to achieve this.
1. Fruits and vegetables
These are great for getting the nutrients your body needs without giving you that bloated sensation. Light snacks of fresh fruit and veg are perfect for energy boosts throughout the day.
2. Unprocessed foods
It is hard not to be tempted by all the fast-food restaurants you pass on your lunch break, but these foods are low in nutrients and high in additives, fats, and sodium. This will divert your energy to laborious digestion.
There are healthier quick meal options available, such as freshly made office lunch catering. This can include sandwiches that hit all your essential macros and a mix of nutritious – and naughty – snacks. You will find office lunch catering services in your area.
3. Wholegrains
Refined carbs (sugars) are just like processed foods and will give you similar jolts and crashes of energy. Opting for complex carbs will give you sustained energy throughout the workday.
4. Lean proteins
Steaks are undoubtedly delicious, but lean proteins such as chicken and fish have less saturated fat and more omega-3 (specifically in fish). They are easier to digest and more nutritious on the whole.
5. Non-caffeinated drinks
Caffeine is great for that short-term surge of energy to break that morning fatigue, but it doesn’t provide usable energy for the body. This makes the caffeine crash feel even worse, doubling your craving for more coffee. Decaffeinated coffee can offer you the familiar flavour without the caffeine, but the main takeaway here is to accompany your drinks with balanced meals.