The Ingredient In Your Food That Could Be Giving You Fatigue

We generally expect food to give us energy. Humans need food to survive, after all. But what you eat can greatly affect how you feel. If you've been feeling fatigued after eating, you're probably choosing foods that have ingredients known to cause fatigue. According to Today, sugary foods can give you a short energy burst followed by a crash. This includes foods like candy and drinks like soda. Frozen yogurt, which is often viewed as a healthier treat, is usually loaded with sugar and can make you feel just as tired as a pint of ice cream.

Frozen meals may also be contributing to your fatigue for a couple of reasons. First, they often contain a small amount of calories that is more equivalent to a snack than a meal. This won't keep you satisfied for very long. Frozen dinners are also typically high in sodium, which can make fatigue symptoms worse. While it's okay to enjoy these foods in moderation, you'll want your overall diet to be full of fruits, vegetables, complex carbs, healthy fats, and lean protein.

If you want to avoid fatigue from unhealthy snacks, it's crucial to keep healthy options at home so you have easy access to satisfying foods. According to Healthline, beans and lentils add protein and complex carbohydrates to your meal, which gives you lasting energy. Other whole grains like oatmeal and quinoa are also great to have on-hand (via US News). "It's a great idea to look for whole-grain or whole-wheat options because they're full of fiber and can help create that feeling of fullness at meals," said Emily Rice, a registered dietitian with the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. "Other pasta alternatives made from lentils or beans are a great source of fiber and protein as well, especially for those on gluten-free diets."

Nuts and seeds provide long-lasting energy because they are full of healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can also be used to make nut butter that can be spread on toast or mixed into oatmeal. You can buy nut butter in stores, but avoid products that contain added sugar and oil.