Back in March I announced my sponsors for Britmums Live as the fab team over at Spatone, I have been loving using Spatone to increase my iron levels – finally something that taste’s good and is easy on the stomach, so much so that I wanted to pass it on to my lovely readers and give one of you the chance to win a 3 month supply of Spatone! All you need to do is enter the raffle copter instructions at the bottom to be in with a chance of winning.
But first as you know I have been struggling over the months with finding the right balance of healthy easting and exercise, every week I tell my self it will be different and I’m starting a fresh and life just seems to get in the way. I’m grabbing quick convenient (not always healthy) food and definitely not doing the exercise I promised myself I would as a result by the end of the day I’m often left feeling tired and ‘drained’.
A study commissioned by SPATONE® liquid iron has revealed that the average British worker feels low in energy by 1.40pm on a Thursday, with nine in ten of us admitting they run out of steam as the week goes on. This results in 82% of respondents admitting their productivity suffers
SPATONE nutritionist Emma Wight Boycott believes that normal energy levels can be maintained through eating the right foods at the right time, however only two in ten (23.9%) of respondents try to eat more healthily to get through to the end of the working week. Here, Emma dispels the myths around the Thursday afternoon energy slump and gives top tips.
MYTH: Eat something sugary to give you some energy.
FACT: Although reaching for something sugary might seem like a quick fix by giving you a sugar rush and an energy burst, it won’t last and your blood sugar levels could drop rapidly, leaving you where you started.
TIP: Instead of having something sugary, try eating a snack which will raise your blood sugar levels slowly and keep them up. Good options are a handful of nuts, oatcakes with peanut butter or raw carrots with hummus.
MYTH: Having caffeine will help you get over the slump.
FACT: Although caffeine can ward off fatigue temporarily it can also interfere with falling asleep at night and make your energy lag worse the next day.
TIP: Instead of having that cup of coffee make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day. Aim for 6-8 glass of water throughout the day and never wait until you feel thirsty before drinking as it means that you’re already dehydrated.
MYTH: Eat a big, carbohydrate heavy lunch to keep energy slumps at bay.
FACT: You need a well balanced meal containing different types of food groups to keep you going. Starchy foods are a good source of energy but try having wholegrain varieties which help you to feel fuller.
TIP: Instead of overeating at lunch, have a light meal that contains both proteins and complex carbohydrates, and then a snack in the afternoon. If you can, try and get away from your desk for half an hour at lunch to help you feel more alert in the afternoon.
MYTH: Losing a couple of hours sleep won’t affect your energy.
FACT: Even losing a couple of hours sleep over the week can leave you feeling less alert and make you feel sluggish.
TIP: If you can aim for eight hours sleep a night and have a regular time when you go to bed. If you feel like you aren’t sleeping very well try to stop drinking alcohol, that glass of red wine may help you nod off but it also disrupts your sleep cycle.
MYTH: Exercising will make you more tired.
FACT: Exercise is actually one of the best ways to boost energy.
TIP: Exercise is not always possible in the middle of a working day, but a brisk 10 minute walk can actually do wonders and boost those energy levels.
Spatone Apple contains Spatone iron rich water sourced from the Welsh mountains of Snowdonia National Park – which can help top up iron levels whilst causing fewer of the unpleasant side effects often experienced with conventional iron food supplements. Generally, iron is a very difficult mineral for the body to absorb. However, the iron naturally present in Spatone has been shown to be easily absorbed, with an average of 40% bioavailability. Food and iron food supplements typically have a 5-20% bioavailability. Furthermore, Spatone Apple is combined with natural apple concentrate, with the vitamin C helping the absorption of iron. Spatone is available from Boots priced at £10.55 for 28 sachets (4 weeks supply).
For more info visit www.spatone.com. It is important to follow a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a healthy balanced diet.
Now on with the giveaway:
The competition will end Midnight on May 14th. A winner will then be selected at random.
Terms and condition’s apply.
I used to have this in my drinks when I was pregnant, it really does make a difference xx
Julia @ rainbeaubelle recently posted…A difficult week and a visit home
Drink plenty of water xx
This actually works, I used it a while ago, and I felt so good. I’d love some more, as it’s quite pricey in the shops.
Rennasdiscoveries
If I don’t have breakfast I always feel more drained then usual. I always feel best when I have 3 meals a day (with snacks in between), plenty of water, having about 8 hours sleep sleep and some form of exercise. Even if it’s just a brisk walk!
Plenty of water and energy rich foods including glucose
I saw it on TV yesterday that 5/10 min power naps are supposed to be good for you… need to try it, although I wouldn’t wake up after 5/10 mins!
Having little amount of raw nuts for a great energy boost x
Eat porridge with fresh banana for breakfast for slow energy release throughout the morning
erink lots of water thankyou
I agree with power napping. Also, a short brisk walk in the fresh air tends to wake me up when feeling lethargic.
Porridge for breakfast!
I find that a quick walk is a great pick me up.
I love this stuff have used it in the past
sugar sugar and then a a bit more sugar
drink lots of water
power napping and lots of water
Drinking lots of water.
for me plenty of water and regular exercise is what works
Make sure you always have breakfast and drink plenty of water every day!
Lots of fruit snacks! 🙂
a good breakfast of healthy yoghurt and nuts with fruit
Ive just been diagnosed as B12 deficient which explains my fatigue….ive been told keeping your potasium levels up is a must…so plenty of bananas and dried apricots!
Eating banana everyday! 🙂
Sleep, plenty of water and eating very 2-3 hours (meal or healthy snack)
A good night sleep, porridge and blueberries and drink plenty of water
Be sure to drink plenty of water – it is great for you and fantastic for your skin too!
Take a quick walk if you need an immediate boost of energy, try and eat regular meals, make sure you have a good breakfast too
Drink lots of water
Coffee 🙂 xxx
Porridge with dried fruits and nuts in the morning really keep me going until lunch time.
Get rest when needed.
Eat little and often and drink plenty of water.