8 Surprising Foods That Are Making You Totally Exhausted

Plain oatmeal is a fantastic energy food, but adding maple syrup or opting for instant flavored packages means loads of added sugar—and, consequently, a quick blood sugar spike and energy-sucking crash later, says Michelle Babb, R.D., author of Anti-Inflammatory Eating Made Easy. In fact, just one-quarter cup of maple syrup—easy to drizzle even if you think you have a light hand—packs a whopping 50 grams of sugar.  

Power up: Stick with oatmeal, but top your bowl with energy-sustaining fixings like nut butter, chopped nuts, or chia seeds. "These contain protein and healthy fats to minimize your body's blood sugar response," says Babb.

The problem with nuts: They're easy to overeat, which, in turn, can leave you dragging, says Babb. That's because nuts are high in fat, some of which is good for you, but too much will end up taxing your digestion and may even boost hormones that contribute to sleepiness. (Check out 3 more downsides to eating too many nuts here.)

Power up: Divvy up one-quarter cup servings of nuts into snack-size bags so you don't overeat. Better yet, pair nuts with an apple for a dose of fiber to help fill you up without all the extra fat and calories.

Not all yogurt is created equal. In fact, a six-ounce container of fat-free chocolate yogurt from a well-known organic brand packs an insane 35 grams of sugar—that's way more than a Snickers bar. Crash city!

RELATED: 25 Delectable Detox Smoothies

Power up: Opt for plain Greek yogurt and top it with berries and nuts. Greek yogurt packs twice the blood sugar-stabilizing protein of regular yogurt, and high-fiber berries deliver a dose of sweetness without the crash.

Just because you see "veggie" is in the name, don't assume you're getting a daily hit of greens. These salty, crunchy, ultra-processed sticks are often made primarily from potato starch, a refined carb that will leave you feeling lethargic if you overdo it, says Babb. 

Power up: Make your own veggie chips or fries using fresh kale, sweet potatoes, or beets. (Check out these 5 creative ways to make your own healthy veggie chips.) Too much work? You can also go old school and pack raw carrots with hummus for a traditional snack that packs energy-sustaining protein and fiber.

Research shows that wine before bed messes with your sleep cycle and can cause next-day grogginess. Even though a glass or two can cause you to fall asleep faster, your snooze time is often short-lived, lasting just a few hours before you wake up tossing and turning. Plus, alcohol is dehydrating, which can cause fatigue and mess with focus.

RELATED: 8 Things That Happen When You Stop Drinking Alcohol

Power up: Skip the nightcap, or have your last drink two to three hours before bed. Wine with lunch or dinner is a better bet—and don't forget to toss back a glass of water for every drink you have.

If you have sleep problems, you may want to consider tweaking your coffee habit and have your first cup later in the morning after levels of the stress hormone cortisol, typically higher when you wake up, begin to stabilize. And don't even think about having a cuppa after 3 p.m.: Research shows that consuming caffeine less than six hours before bed can cause you to lose an hour or more of quality sleep. 

Power up: Drink your morning brew between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. for an optimal energy boost—that's when cortisol levels naturally start to taper, so you'll truly benefit from the caffeine boost. And cut yourself off around 3 p.m., or approximately six hours before you hit the sack.

Don't be fooled by store-bought fruit smoothies: Jamba Juice's Mega Mango is a sugar bomb in disguise with 52 grams of the sweet stuff and not enough fat, protein, or fiber to keep your engine revved. You can do as much damage at home, too, if you're forgetting to add a source of protein or fat to your homemade blend.

RELATED: The 6 Healthiest Protein Powders For Your Smoothie

Power up: Make your own smoothies from fruit and/or veggies, but always include a source of protein and/or a healthy fat like nut butter or avocado.

Sure, they may be packed with vitamins and minerals, but energy bars are often loaded with sweeteners that can cause drastic fluctuations in energy levels, especially if you're eating them as a snack and not to power through a workout. In fact, the first ingredient in one very well known energy bar is brown rice syrup. "These are pretty much going to behave like candy bars in your body," says Babb. 

Power up: Opt for energy bars made from real food. The shorter and more recognizable the ingredient list is on a bar, the better. Also, make sure sugar or another sweetener isn't the first thing listed, and opt for bars with a decent amount of fiber and protein.