Sleep is vital component of a healthy lifestyle. Our bodies rest, recover and repair themselves as we sleep, and our brains have the opportunity to dissect what we have done throughout the day.
A poor night’s sleep could be the cause of weight gain, heart disease, and increased duration of illnesses, to name a few. However, it’s entirely possible to improve your chances of good quality sleep by making small changes to your diet.
Below, I’ve listed SIX small changes you can make to your diet, so you can start eating your way to a great night’s sleep and boosting your energy:
- Cut down on sugar and caffeine
When you’re tired, it’s easy to grab that morning coffee or 4pm biscuit but it’s a trap! Your body can easily become addicted to that quick fix and – ironically – neither caffeine or high sugar foods are conducive to good sleep.
- Avoid heavily processed foods
That delicious granola you have at breakfast, or that smoothie you picked up for lunch might contain more sugar than you think. Breads, snack bars, sauces, juices, and sweets are the biggest culprits for high sugar content; check the labels before you buy.
- Know your good fats
While animals fats contribute to a balanced diet, extra virgin olive or coconut oil are better for your heart. However, whichever good fat you incorporate into your diet, it will help you feel satisfied and keep your energy levels stabilised.
- Eat balanced meals regularly
Enjoying meals that are jam-packed with whole foods, and have a good balance of lean proteins, good fats, complex carbs, and veggies will keep your energy levels regulated between mealtimes.
- Eat two pieces of fruit per day and veggies with each meal
Bursting with vitamins and minerals, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables nourish your body and help keep you full (and regular!). Buy organic, where possible, to avoid liver overload due to pesticides and herbicides.
- You are what you eat
If you enjoy animal products, eat grass-fed meat, corn-fed poultry, and sustainable fish at every meal. Stop obsessing about low fat diets and eat the whole egg (not just the white) or enjoy full fat dairy (just mind the sugar!)
