Snacks That Drain Your Energy
Ever reached for an afternoon pick-me-up only to be left feeling more drained and sluggish than before? You probably chose the wrong snack to munch on. From processed meats like bacon to sweet treats like candy bars, it pays to be mindful of what you put in your body—or you'll have to deal with the exhausting aftereffects. Here are five foods that will make you feel more tired than before.
1. Alcohol
Sure, a glass of whiskey before bed might help you fall asleep more easily, but alcohol does more bad than good—especially if you're having too many drinks in one sitting. Without practicing moderation, you'll only feel more drained than energetic after nursing that beer or spirit.
2. Processed Meats
It probably goes without saying that processed meats like bacon, sausages, salami, and hot dogs will sap your energy rather than boost it. Why? Because they're loaded with salt, preservatives, and saturated fats, which not only cause inflammation but also raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
3. Fried Foods
Not only are fried foods low in fiber and offer little nutrition (if at all), they also take a while to digest and take a toll on your body, making you feel sluggish and bloated. If you've ever wondered why you get so sleepy after munching on French fries, here's your answer.
4. White Bread
Any foods made with refined grains, like white bread, pasta, and rice, sap energy levels because they're easily broken down by the body into sugar, which rapidly spikes your glucose levels. If you're not supplementing your diet with healthier choices that offer more essential nutrients—think protein and fiber—you'll only be left feeling more tired than before.
5. Sweets
Sweet treats like candy, dessert, and chocolate are—you guessed it—high in sugar. That means snacking on them will rapidly shoot your glucose levels up, only to leave you more lethargic and sluggish when your blood sugar crashes.
