Simple ways to keep energy levels constant

Hear are four simple ways to keep you energy levels constant.

• Always eat breakfast. After 10-12 hours without food your blood sugar levels are low and you need to eat to refuel and give your body energy. There are other benefits to breakfast - research shows that people who eat breakfast are more productive and focused during the morning, control their weight better and consume more nutrients and less fat during the day. Ideal breakfasts to maintain energy levels are porridge, muesli or a whole grain cereal with semi-skimmed milk or low-fat yogurt, plus fruit juice or a piece of fruit.
• Don't skip meals. If you miss meals your blood sugar levels and energy levels will drop.
• Fill up on healthy snacks. Having a snack between meals can keep energy levels up and stop you getting too hungry, but choose healthy snacks such as fresh or dried fruit, low-fat yogurt, celery, pepper and carrot sticks with low-fat cottage cheese or hummus, or a small bowl of whole grain cereal and semi-skimmed milk.
• Drink plenty of water. Even mild dehydration can leave you feeling drained and can cause headaches. If your urine is darker than pale yellow you may be dehydrated. Aim to drink six to eight glasses of water a day. Hot weather and physical activity increase your body's need for fluids, so drink more water to replace what's lost through sweating.