“Energy Depleting” Foods

If you ask someone what is the use of eating, they will probably answer: “To get energy”. There are three macronutrients contained in food that provide energy: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. When present in the right proportions, each of these nutrients plays a role in our body to optimize its functioning.

Apart from this fact, why do we sometimes feel the need to take a nap after certain types of meals? Why do we wake up feeling tired on some mornings despite a good night of sleep?

Believe it or not, some foods we consume interfere with the energy production process of the body, or simply drain the body of its energy. They are foods such as coffee, tea (especially black tea because it contains more theine), soft drinks, cakes, pastries, and sweets. These foods are in fact sources of stress for the body, because they stimulate the production of adrenalin, a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. This hormone increases heartbeat, dilates the bronchial tubes, and causes the liver to release glucose. These chain reactions, called the “fight or flight” syndrome, are a reflex of the human body when in the presence of stress. On the long term, a constant stimulation of the adrenal glands can lead not only to fatigue from the depletion of the organism’s energy reserves (caused by the release of glucose contained in the carbohydrates reserves of the liver and muscles), but can also lower the efficiency of the immune system.

In addition, the variations in blood sugar levels caused by the consumption of these foods undoubtedly create a feeling of exhaustion, as well as a drop in our ability to concentrate once the blood sugar levels drop.

Also, the constant consumption of caffeine creates a vicious circle. When we feel a little bit tired and we take a coffee or another caffeinated beverage for a boost, in a way we are borrowing. We spend energy that we do not have, which in the long run creates a debt. This leads to another accumulation of fatigue that we can ignore by… drinking another coffee! Try avoiding all caffeinated beverages for a week, and you will soon begin to feel various withdrawal symptoms: irritability, tiredness, mood swings, etc. However, after this, and with some rest, you will notice a phenomenal energy boost!

What do you think? Are you ready to try it?

By Marilyne Petitclerc

“Energy Depleting” Foods is a post from Nautilus Plus. The Nautilus Plus blog aims to help people in their journey to fitness through articles on training, nutrition, motivation, exercise and healthy recipes.
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