Cinnamon for weight loss and cornflakes for energy? We asked the experts for their top nutrition tips, and they came up with some surprising suggestions…
5 ENERGY FOODS
Coconut
If swigging coconut oil is good enough for the England rugby squad (not to mention Jennifer Aniston) we’re prepared to give it a go. The oil is obviously high in fat-and 90% of it is the saturated variety – but there’s some evidence that coconut oil raises your metabolic rate because, unusually, it contains a lot of medium-chain fatty acids, which are very quickly metabolised, giving a speedy energy hit. You can use virgin coconut oil in cooking or even as a spread. Don’t fancy the oil? Then try the oil-rich coconut flesh straight from the husk.
Cornflakes
‘Cornflakes give you a burst of energy because they have a high glycaemic index,’ says nutritionist Angela Dowden, but make it an afternoon boost rather than a breakfast one, because in the mornings you need slow-burning foods that’ll sustain your energy. Later on, though, a bowl should give you the va-va-voom needed to see4 you through an hour or two. Cornflakes do have nutritive value as they’re fortified with a range of vitamins, but do check the label for salt-some varieties are loaded with it. Try Rude Health Corn Flakes (£1.35 from www.rudehealth. com), which are free from both added salt and sugar.
MIRACLE MEAL
Miso soup High in the amino acid tyrosine, this broth helps you make the feel-good chemical dopamine. This means that, even if you’re not in top physical shape, your energy levels will soar because you’ll have the enthusiasm for making the most of what you’ve got.
Pineapple pac«i a foe punch – it’s htgn in the amino acid tryptophan, which boosts levels of the “happy hormone’ serotonin m your brain, plus manganese (essential for energy production), and antioxidants (such as betacarotene. and vitamin C). that protect against damaging free radicals. For the highest antioxidant content, choose a pineapple that’s fully ripened. You’ll know if it’s ready if you can pull one of its spiky eaves out with ease. Pineapples are still in season now. so fill your fruit bow!, or
You may have banned all sweet snacks ^ct your diet, for being blood-sugar spiking, hunger-inducing titoits, but don't rule out the benefits of a handful of raisins for a power boost. They're packed with complex carbohydrates and high in iron, too. Don't munch on them all day, though - your teeth won't thank you for it - but stash one of those cute mini-packs in you
SUPERCHARGE YOUR DIET AND GET IDEAL FITNESS BODY
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