This winter, boost your energy with these 5 foods
From beetroot to sweet potatoes, here’s a list of healthy options to snack on to stay upbeat during gloomy winter days. They increase energy and mental alertness
Come winter and one starts feeling lethargic and low. And what do we resort to in order to shake ourselves out of laziness? Binge sugary snacks, biscuits and energy drinks or cups and cups of coffee, which often lead to unnecessary weight gain. This time around, pick from these healthy options to boost your energy levels as well as your mood.
Beetroot: Surprised? Well, brightly coloured foods such as beetroot are an excellent source of energy during winter. It also helps to boost your mood, is low in fat, rich in vitamin C and full of antioxidants, which increase your energy. Beetroot helps to produce nitric oxide, which helps relax your blood vessels. This, in turn, increases the blood flow in the body, giving your energy levels, a boost.
Bananas: Whatever the season, bananas are a powerhouse of energy. They contain carbohydrates, potassium and vitamin B6, all of which boost your energy. It also contains a good dose of fibre that makes you feel fuller throughout the day.
Sweet potatoes: They provide complex carbohydrates and are high in fibre. The high-fibre content slows the rate of digestion, which means that the energy is released in a slow and steady manner. Also, complex carbohydrates break down much slower and are stored in the liver or your muscles to be used later. Fish: Fish is a superfood that is loaded with vitamins D and B2 (riboflavin), omega3 fatty acids along with minerals like iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium. Eating fish will help you to deal with fatigue. Fish also contains omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for brain health as it has anti-depression effects.
Dark chocolate: Dark ■ chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which increases energy and mental alertness. It also contains magnesium, which is essential for the production of serotonin. Lack of serotonin can lead to depression.
FISH IS A SUPERFOOD THAT IS LOADED WITH VITAMINS D AND B2 (RIBOFLAVIN), OMEGA3 FATTY ACIDS ALONG WITH SEVERAL MINERALS LIKE IRON, ZINC, IODINE, MAGNESIUM, AND POTASSIUM