Top 5 ways to keep your energy up

There are times when, no matter how fit you are, you fall prey to persistent mild fatigue or a chronic lack of energy. Everyday stresses and a busy lifestyle can lead to you paying less attention to the simple factors that will help keep your energy levels high. Moderate exercise and incorporating rest periods into your day will help and so will following these basic tips for a natural energy boost:

1. Variety is the spice of life so make sure you eat a wide variety of organic fresh fruit and vegetables to get the best range of their natural protective vitamin and mineral content

2. Small is beautiful so give up those large meals because they trigger the body to release more insulin, resulting in low blood sugar levels and a fatigue-inducing slump. Eat more frequently, just less of it and include healthy snacks – see point 4.

3. Water, water may be everywhere but most people just don’t drink enough of it. Dehydration is a common cause of fatigue so keep your liquid intake up with herbal teas, juices and water right through the day.

4. Snacking for energy means choosing healthy things that contain some protein, carbohydrates, and beneficial fats or select whole foods that are low in fat. Good options include unsalted nuts and seeds, dried fruit and bananas, crudités, yogurt, vegetable sticks, and whole grain bread or crackers to keep your energy up by stabilising your blood sugar levels.

5. Fibre slows the release of insulin and helps maintain a steady supply of energy. Good sources are beans and pulses such as kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils.