Foods that help boost energy and vitality

How many times have you felt unable to follow your normal routine? Sometimes our bodies rebel and we feel more tired than usual. It could be due to the time of year, or too much stress; maybe the children are on holiday or you're convalescing from an illness, worrying about a backlog of work, losing sleep over a family problem... Whatever the reason, everything just seems more complicated.

When this happens, the following advice can help you to feel more energetic, good-humoured and optimistic.

The first thing to do is plan your food all through the day and try not to eat between meals. You can have three main meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and two or three snacks a day. Your body needs to eat something every four hours. Make sure you get all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, minerals, trace elements and fibre so your organism functions as efficiently as a Swiss clock.

A healthy and balanced diet and good hydration will help to eliminate toxins, give you the energy you need and you will feel more cheerful. Physical exercise is a great ally too, because it activates serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters which boost happiness and ability to concentrate.

Your diet should include these foods to activate vitality:

Eggs. They contain choline, which feeds the nerve cells (neurones).

Nuts and dried fruit. They provide good fat, make you feel full, improve vitality and memory. Their magnesium content activates serotonin. They have numerous beneficial properties.

Leafy green vegetables (watercress, spinach...). These are depurative, contain tryptophan, are antioxidant and provide vitamins and minerals. They can be taken as green smoothies, to boost vitality.

Cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.The vitamins from the B group which they provide help to turn carbohydrates into energy.

Wholemeal cereals and pulses. They are a magnificent source of magnesium, potassium and zinc.

Germinates. These are soft sprouts which provide energy and youth because they have proteins of high biological value with detoxifying effects. They contain trace elements and enzymes which protect the organism.

Dark chocolate. An antioxidant treat which gives you some extra energy.

Oranges, lemons, mandarins and red fruits. A source of antioxidants. Drinking diluted lemon juice on any empty stomach regulates pH and is depurative.

Lean meat and fish. Contain tryptophan and help to preserve muscle mass. Fish is a source of Omega 3.

Thermogenic foods. The thermogenic foods activate your metabolism and boost energy. Try adding a little spice to your meals and you'll see how the energy flows.

Avoid energy thieves

Energy thieves such as sugar (and sweeteners), caffeine and alcohol sap your vitality and lower your defenses, leading to anxiety, accumulation of body fat, inflammation and mood swings.