Many people reach for snacks during the day to boost their energy. But some popular choices may actually leave you feeling more tired. A nutrition expert has highlighted several common foods that can trigger sudden drops in energy levels.
Energy dips during the day
Many people snack between meals to keep hunger away and maintain their energy. However, some foods can have the opposite effect and make people feel more fatigued later.
Blood sugar spikes
According to nutrition specialist Ashleigh Tosh from Prepped Pots powered by MuscleFood.com, snacks high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can cause sharp spikes in blood sugar. These spikes are often followed by crashes that may lead to fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
Choosing better snacks
Tosh says snacks that contain a balance of protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates can help maintain steadier energy throughout the day.
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Crisps
Crisps can contribute to energy crashes because they contain high levels of salt and unhealthy fats. Excess salt may also lead to dehydration, which can increase feelings of tiredness.
Nuts as an alternative
Instead of crisps, the expert suggests choosing nuts. They contain more nutrients and mainly unsaturated fats, which may help keep energy levels more stable.
Chocolate bars
A chocolate bar may provide a short burst of energy due to caffeine and sugar. However, the boost is often followed by a drop in blood sugar that can leave people feeling sluggish.
Dark chocolate
For those craving something sweet, Tosh suggests dark chocolate as a better option. It can reduce the intensity of sugar spikes and provide a more sustained boost.
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White toast
White bread lacks fibre and can cause imbalances in blood sugar levels. This can result in tiredness shortly after eating.
Whole-grain toast with avocado
A more nutritious option is whole-grain toast with avocado. The combination provides fibre and healthy fats that may support steadier energy.
Biscuits
Biscuits are a popular snack, especially with tea, but they often contain high levels of sugar and fat. According to the expert, this can worsen energy slumps.
Sugary yoghurts
Yoghurt is often seen as a healthy snack, yet many sweetened versions contain large amounts of added sugar. This can also lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
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Greek yoghurt
Greek yoghurt is suggested as a better alternative. It contains protein and probiotics that may help stabilise blood sugar.
Pastries
Pastries such as croissants, sausage rolls and pain au chocolat are digested quickly. This can cause a rapid rise in glucose followed by a drop in energy.
Breakfast cereals
Breakfast cereals are often marketed as a healthy start to the day. However, many are highly processed and contain large amounts of sugar, which can lead to a spike in blood sugar followed by a crash.
Sources: Daily Mirror
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