Do you know a soft stroke at the start of the school year? The lack of frequent pep’s in this season is not always linked to the return to the office. It can reflect a deficient diet, disturbed sleep, chronic stress or a lack of physical activity. Food, however, remains a precious ally to recharge its batteries, “provided you bet on the right foods, at the right time“, Specifies Julie Boët, dietician-nutritionist.
Black grapes
“In September, nature spoils us with a variety of fruits and vegetables that are full of essential nutrients. Let us take for example black grapes, rich in polyphenols but also in vitamin C. This vitamin plays a key role in the reduction of fatigue and in the absorption of iron, essential for the transport of oxygen in the blood. Consumed fresh, it keeps all its potential vitamin”, she reveals.
Spinach
“The spinach is back at the start of the school year. They bring vegetable iron and magnesium, two minerals which support the production of cellular energy and muscle contraction. To optimize the assimilation of iron, it is interesting to consume them slightly returned to the pan with a net of olive oil and associate them with a source of vitamin C as a net of lemon juice added just before serving.” underlines the expert.
Figs
“Fresh figs, which are still found in September, are an excellent source of magnesium and fiber. They promote both the transit and the stability of energy during the day. It is better to consume them raw on a salad or in a natural yogurt to preserve their vitamins and minerals”, advises Julie Boët.
Broccoli
“On the vegetable side, broccoli is a nugget: full of vitamin C and antioxidant compounds, it stimulates immunity and vitality. The secret lies in its cooking: with soft steam, only a few minutes, to keep the majority of its vitamins”, admits the specialist.
Green lenses
“Finally, green lenses, flagship legume of September, bring a winning combination of iron, vegetable proteins and fibers. Associated with a small salad of tomatoes or raw peppers, they become a real energetic bomb thanks to the synergy between iron and vitamin C”, she says.
Of course, food is not everything. “If despite a balanced plate the fatigue persists, look at the side of sleep, physical activity, stress or even potential deficiencies is important. In this case, consulting a health professional makes it possible to identify the origin of the lack of energy and to provide suitable solutions. Because vitality is a global balance between what we eat, what we experience and the way we take care of ourselves”, concludes the nutritionist.