It's around this time of year that the work days get longer, and you feel like you're constantly chasing your tail in search of free time. Due to that, you may often wake up feeling fatigued and ready for another sleep, even if you had a full eight hours. But is the stress of life the only thing contributing to this shift in mood? Or can it be something else?
Well, for starters, takeout spending increases by about 25% in the months leading up to Christmas. So, yes, while you are busier, are you noticing that maybe your diet has taken a hit because of this?
While it may seem hard to stick to a great diet during these crazy months, remember that meal-prepping is a great way to get started. Plus, you don't need to commit to every meal. A few great ones instead of your local takeout each week can make a world of difference to how you feel come Christmas morning.
Foods that will help you fight that morning fatigue amazingly include:
Avocados
We've said it before, and we will say it again, a smashed avocado is SUCH a great breakfast, especially when paired with eggs or dairy-free yogurt. Its benefits go beyond fueling you after breakfast, and when consumed often, it can help provide the vitamins, minerals and healthy fats you need to thrive, even if you have an early wake-up call. Avocado can also help regulate blood sugar, meaning that you're less likely to also experience that afternoon crash, which typically makes it near impossible to focus.
Don't enjoy avo on toast? Throwing some avocado in your morning smoothie or on top of your next dinner is just as great for you.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are powerful in brain-boosting properties and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for warding off fatigue. They're also great for speeding up digestion and alleviating that afternoon sluggishness that may otherwise get you down. On top of this, they're great for absorbing water, meaning you'll stay hydrated for longer, whether you enjoy them in the morning or as a before-bed dessert.
The good news? Our Superfood Breakfast Bowls are packed with chia seeds and are a high-fibre, gluten-free breakfast alternative. Try them here.
Mint
Mint is one of the key ingredients in Chinese medicine for a reason. It's potent, strong and beloved for its natural healing abilities. One of its greatest abilities is how it can provide a natural energy kick without any caffeine, helping you avoid that afternoon caffeine crash. Not only this, it can also help soothe your mind before bed, meaning it can also assist you in falling into a deeper, more restful sleep. A cup of our Minty Cacao Latte a day is enough to not only have you wake up brighter, but also fall asleep better. Try it now.
Honey
Honey may not be one of those foods that will help you feel naturally alert in the morning, but it is praised for its ability to help you sleep better at night. This means that you'll sleep deeper, fall asleep quicker and feel better when you wake up each morning. Honey does this by lowering your levels of orexin, a neurotransmitter that raises your alertness. Just a teaspoon of honey before bed can help your body understand that there are no threats present and that you are safe to enjoy a deep sleep. Add some flavour to your honey by trying our Adaptogenic Turmeric Honey, which is also a powerful antioxidant that can help cleanse your body from free radicals overnight.
Remember, sleep is still key.
The best foods on the market won't make a difference if you're not getting enough sleep each night. Remember that putting your head down early and shutting off your screens at least an hour before bed are powerful tools for ensuring you get the full night's rest you deserve. Before long, morning fatigue will be a thing of the past.
Need recommendations?
Our team is always happy to point you in the direction of products that will transform the way you feel. Reach out to us about our gluten-free breakfast range or our dairy-free hot drinks today.
