Sometimes, you feel completely drained for no apparent reason, even after a strong dose of coffee in the morning. What could be the cause? It might be the food you’re eating, which instead of fueling you with energy, is actually depleting it.
As the saying goes: “You are what you eat.” And while junk food might be more appealing than healthier options, it could be worth reconsidering certain foods if they are leaving you fatigued. Here are five common foods that can drain your energy.
1. Sugar
Sugar tops the list. Often referred to as “white death,” sugar makes us feel weaker and can even trigger depression, so stress-eating sweets is not helpful. Sugar quickly enters the bloodstream, providing an immediate sense of fullness that quickly fades. Afterward, fatigue and hunger set in again, causing us to eat more. Additionally, sugar suppresses B vitamins, which are essential for nerve function. The fewer vitamins we have, the more irritable we become.
Moreover, studies have shown that excessive sugar consumption can impair cognitive function.
2. Flour-based Products
That delicious almond croissant with a cup of cappuccino may sound tempting, but it’s also highly detrimental to your energy levels. Flour-based foods, especially those made from refined carbohydrates like pastries, muffins, macarons, cheesecakes, and pasta, act similarly to sugar. They cause a quick spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a rapid crash, leading to fatigue.
Gluten, commonly found in flour, also swells and forms a heavy mass in your stomach, making you feel sluggish and drowsy.
3. Alcohol
While it may feel like you’re ready to party after a couple of glasses of wine, alcohol can quickly lead to fatigue. Initially, alcohol stimulates the nervous system, but it soon causes a sharp downturn, making you feel tired and sleepy. The problem is that sleep after drinking doesn’t provide quality rest. Instead, your body focuses on processing toxins rather than rejuvenating, leaving you feeling weak and drained the next day.
4. Fried Foods
Fried foods are not just unhealthy for your figure; they are heavy and taxing on your digestive system. Your body expends a significant amount of energy to digest fried items like potatoes or mushrooms. If you indulge in something even heavier, like a deep-fried snack, your body will be entirely focused on digestion, leaving little energy for other tasks. This is why you often feel sluggish after consuming fried food.
5. Turkey
Turkey is healthy—there’s no arguing that. But it’s best consumed in the evening. Turkey contains special proteins that have a relaxing effect on the body, making it an ideal dinner choice if you want to wind down. Foods like milk, beans, and brown rice can have a similar effect, though this varies from person to person. Experiment with these “energy vampires” to see how they affect you.
If you want to maintain energy throughout the day, it’s worth being mindful of these foods. Reducing or timing your consumption of sugar, refined carbs, alcohol, fried foods, and certain proteins like turkey can help keep your energy levels steady and prevent unnecessary fatigue.