Energy Draining Foods to Avoid

With so much to do and so many distractions, keeping your energy level high can be difficult. Fueling your body effectively is one way to control your energy level and keep you feeling productive all day long. To stay motivated, healthy and energetic, avoid consuming these energy-zapping foods.

Foods with Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an amino acid that, when your body changes it into serotonin and melatonin, causes sleepiness. Although small levels of tryptophan can leave you feeling relaxed, too much will leave you sleepy. If you have a full schedule, avoid eating food with tryptophan, such as turkey, milk and corn. Small amounts are unlikely to make an impact, but large amounts may, so use caution.

Fried, Fatty Foods

Food high in fat take a long time to digest and slow our bodies down. Choose lean sources of protein like chicken or fish instead of hamburger or steak. Instead of fries or onion rings, eat a baked potato, salad or a handful of nuts.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol during the day is a quick way to kill your energy level. Alcohol is a sedative that slows down your central nervous system. Although you may find a drink or two relaxing at first, it may bring about a crash later on. Red wine is a double-sedative, since the red grapes contain melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone. If you are having difficulty sleeping through the night, avoid drinking alcohol just before bed time, especially if it contains a high-sugar content as it can negatively effect your sleep patterns.

High-Sugar Foods

Although foods high in sugar may give you a burst of energy, they will quickly drop your blood sugar levels, leaving you feeling sluggish. Especially avoid sugar on an empty stomach. If you are craving chocolate, choose a high-percentage dark chocolate with nuts. The dark chocolate has less sugar, and the nuts will help to stabilize your blood sugar.

Energy Drinks and Highly Caffeinated Beverages

Although small amounts of caffeine can help give you a boost, too much caffeine can leave you feeling jittery and interfere with your sleep patterns. Some energy drinks have excessive amounts of caffeine, which causes dehydration and leaves you feeling exhausted.

Try to drink your caffeine in the morning. If you are feeling tired in the afternoon, drink green or white tea which has less caffeine than coffee and black tea. Before reaching for a caffeinated beverage, try other methods of energizing your body first, like deep-breathing exercises, or a 5-minute brisk walk.

Know Your "Danger" Foods

Every body is different, and you should know which foods your body finds hard to digest or gives you heartburn. Some people's bodies can handle spicy foods, others can't. Too much gluten can be difficult for others. Consider getting tested for foods that your body is sensitive to if you have low-energy or sleep problems for an extended time. 

Avoiding these energy-draining foods will help you power through a busy day!