As we welcome summer with open arms in the UK, many of us will be packing our beach bags and summer BBQ kits in preparation for one of Britain’s rare heatwaves. Despite the excitement of finally getting outside, the timely summer lethargy and sluggishness cannot be ignored. Exacerbated by life being non-stop since returning to pre-pandemic life, fatigue is perhaps the most prevalent it has been in the last two years. Providing a practical meal alternative to those on the go with 26 of your key essential nutrients, nutritionally complete food, yfood, found in their study that well over a third (37%) of Brits admitted that their current energy levels are the lowest they have ever been. So, how do we tackle the summer lethargy so we can embrace summer to the fullest?
It comes as no surprise that one of the simplest ways to tackle tiredness in the warmer months is to adapt our diet and nutrition. Food-tech innovators, yfood, have outlined their top tips for staying energised as we ease into the summer months:
Protein-Rich Foods
Protein is undoubtedly a game-changer for beating fatigue. This includes eggs, fish, sprouts, beans, chickpeas and dairy products such as milk and yoghurt. Try incorporating at least one protein source in each of your meals to give you the best slow release of energy whilst you’re out and about. These protein-rich foods have been evidenced to improve memory retention, alertness, and increase overall energy levels – yes, even in the warmer seasons!
Up Your Magnesium Intake
Being in a magnesium deficit is often correlated with lower energy levels. Great sources of magnesium include leafy vegetables (perfect for your summer salad), nuts and seeds as well as dark chocolate. Or, spice up your usual toast in the morning and add some avocado. The avocado is an incredibly nutritious fruit and a tasty source of magnesium. One medium avocado provides 58 mg of magnesium.
Keep An Eye on Your Vitamins
Particularly vitamin B and B12. These help your body transform the food you eat into energy that your cells can use over a period of time. Some vitamin-B rich foods include seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products and legumes. Another key one is vitamin C. Interestingly, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that needs to be supplied daily as it is not stored in the body. You can source this from citrus fruits, strawberries and blackberries – summery and nutritious!
Whole Grains
These slow-releasing carbohydrates such as whole-meal bread, pasta and rice help maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Specifically, whole grains, compared with other types of grains, provide optimum sources of fibre, vitamin B, as well as potassium and magnesium for maintaining high energy levels.
