8 energy-boosting foods you’ll actually want to eat

Carbs are our bodies’ main source of energy – they’re like fuel for our tank, helping us to make it through our workout (or just through our day!) without crashing out.

When we’re focussing on our fitness or strength, carbs are key. They give us the energy we need to push ourselves during exercise.

That’s why England Roses’ sports nutritionist Aimee Ellen O’Keeffe has a lot of love for this sometimes unfairly treated macronutrient. She points out that far from making you unhealthy, it’s a big player in helping improve your fitness and performance.

“If you go into a session under-fuelled, you’ll likely feel sluggish, struggle to concentrate and get tired sooner,” says O’Keeffe.

When you eat your carbs is important too, points out Dr James Morehan, performance nutritionist for England Rugby.

“You need to be having that [meal] about three hours before to make sure you’ve given your body enough time to digest it and absorb the nutrients. And you want to make sure you’re not going in [to your exercise] feeling too heavy in your stomach.”

These breakfast, brunch and midmorning snacks will all help you feel energised and ready for a physical challenge.