5 Worst Energy Zapping Foods and Drinks in The Run Up To Christmas

It’s hard to believe how quickly this year has gone and that we are now in the month of December! With the flurry of festive activities in the weeks ahead, long work hours and hard-core socialising, it's no wonder many of us feel drained and run down towards the end of the year.

And while a busy schedule is inevitable to some extent, there are some foods and beverages that can really zap your energy levels even further if over-consumed.

With that in mind, I have thought about some better-for-you swaps, so that you can still partake in the festive fun but without having to pay for it with your health and vitality! Because being mindful of what's on your plate and in your glass can really help you sail through December feeling more vibrant and energised.

So, without any further ado, here are the top 5 culprits to watch out for and what you could opt for instead:

1. Refined Carbs and Sugary Treats

I realise that those celebratory cakes, cookies and breads can be extremely hard to resist! But instead of those refined, sugary treats, fill up on:

fresh fruit, crunchy vegetable trays with hummus, guacamole or baba ghanoush for dipping, or a little dark chocolate and nutty trail mixes to satisfy your cravings.

2. Alcohol

Cocktails, mulled wine, spiked eggnog seem to flow endlessly this time of the year, don't they?

While they may temporarily help you unwind, alcohol is dehydrating and can disrupt your sleep, both of which will leave you feeling fatigued and foggy the next day.

Instead of choosing alcoholic beverages try:

jazzing up your sparkling water with lime, having a mocktail, zero alcohol beer, a non-alcoholic wine or gin substitute, or sipping on refreshing herbal teas like ginger or mint.

3. Processed Meats

Hams, sausages and pepperoni are processed meat staples are often piled high on party platters. However, they're high in sodium which can cause water retention and bloating – neither of which are ideal for promoting energy and vibrancy! The preservatives can also cause inflammation, and in some cases even present as allergic or food intolerance reaction symptoms.

Much better choices are:

lean proteins like grilled chicken, turkey breast, salmon or a zesty prawn cocktail. Lentil or bean dips are deliciously energising too!

4. Fried Foods

I understand that those crispy fried appetisers and decadent fried desserts can be really tempting.

But a diet high in fried, greasy foods can feel unfortunately feel very heavy on your digestion leading to sluggishness.

Those foods also high in inflammatory omega-6 fats, which you likely have heard of as having a bad reputation health wise.

Go for: baked, roasted or grilled proteins and veggies instead like roasted Brussels sprouts, grilled asparagus with parmesan, or turkey meatballs.?

5. Caffeine

When you're running on empty, caffeinated beverages can seem like a fast energy fix.

But too much coffee, strong tea or energy drinks can leave you jittery, headachey and irritable - the opposite of what you need when you want to have fun and celebrate! Those drinks are also dehydrating.

For a natural energy boost, reach for:

bright, antioxidant-rich beverages like pomegranate or beetroot juice, berry smoothies or revitalising green juices and teas. You can also experiment with matcha tea, cacao, medicinal mushroom powders and various tea or coffee substitute drinks containing them.

General Takeaway

The key is balancing out those richer indulgences with lots of fresh, fibre-rich whole foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes and lean proteins.

And don't forget to keep sipping water regularly to stave off dehydration and fatigue. With a few smart swaps, you can feel energised and enjoy yourself all season long!

About Barbara

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style," said Maya Angelou. I embrace that life philosophy wholeheartedly too and try to encourage my clients to do the same.

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