Eat for energy

In the colder months it’s easy to turn to comfort food and chocolate, but not having a balanced, healthy diet is just going to leave you lacking in energy.

“Ensuring you’re eating all the right foods is key to keeping your energy and immunity up,” says Spatone UK’s Steph. “Carbs are essential for energy. Complex carbs like beans, wholewheat pasta, quinoa, apples and broccoli are the best, as they’re full of nutrients and more filling due to their high fibre content. Vitamin B12 helps turn the food you eat into energy. It’s found in meat, fish and dairy, but there are plenty of supplements out there for vegans and vegetarians.”

Steph also suggests ensuring you’re not low in iron, which can lead to tiredness and shortness of breath. “Being low in iron can contribute to feeling sluggish and fatigued. Our bodies don’t produce it, so it’s really important to have a variety of iron-rich foods in your diet, including leafy green vegetables, red meat and fortified foods like cereal. If you’re not getting enough iron from your diet, you need to take a supplement. Spatone is gentle on the stomach and easily absorbed.” Speak to your doctor if you think you might be low in iron and they can arrange a blood test.

Steph also advises cutting back on sugar. “Having too much added sugar, like cakes and biscuits, can leave you feeling drained. Fruit and vegs with naturally occurring sugars are fine to eat, though. Eating regularly should keep you sustained so there’s less need for sugary snacks.”