Energy booster food plan

If you drag yourself out of bed in the morning, can't function without gallons of coffee and run out of gas every afternoon, then an energy-boosting food plan is right for you

Instead of relying on caffeine or a trip to the newsagent for a fleeting burst of artificial energy, choose healthy foods to rev up your engine. The right combination of carbohydrate, protein and fat eaten at regular intervals will help keep energy levels high and balanced all day long. No skipping meals or snacks allowed.

Healthy hintsDon't skip meals or snacks.Drink plenty of water - at least two litres - throughout the day.Take a daily multivitamin supplement.Choose whole, unrefined grain products as often as possible.Limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day at the most.If you're craving something sweet, eat a piece of fruit.When all else fails and sugar cravings can't be denied, try one long-lasting, hard butterscotch sweet.What to avoidFried foods and other foods high in fat (chips, onion rings, fried fish, etc.)CrispsGravy and saucesBeer, wine and any other alcoholSoda waterSweetened juice drinksAdded sugar (to coffee, tea, cereal, etc.)White bread and crackers