Nutritionist Explains Why Everyday Foods May Be Sapping Your Energy
Brenda Madole, Registered Dietitian from MyOrThrive reveals surprising foods that could be making people feel drained
If you’re constantly tired — even after a full night’s sleep — the problem could be your plate, not your pillow. That’s according to Brenda Madole, a Registered Dietitian listed on MyOrThrive, a platform that connects Americans with vetted nutritionists, health coaches, and wellness professionals.
“Many people are unknowingly eating themselves into fatigue,” says Madole. “It’s not just fast food — even items marketed as ‘healthy’ can trigger energy crashes if you’re not careful.”
MyOrThrive reports that fatigue-related search terms like “why am I always tired?” and “afternoon crash after lunch” have surged 1,800% in 2025, showing a sharp rise in interest around energy levels, brain fog, and food-related exhaustion.
6 Lesser-Known Foods That May Be Making You Tired
Flavoured instant oats
“These can have more sugar than a donut,” says Madole. “People think they’re starting the day right, but they’re spiking their blood sugar and crashing by 10 a.m.”
Low-fat salad dressings
Removing fat may cut calories — but it also blocks absorption of key vitamins. “Without fat, your body struggles to absorb nutrients like vitamins D and E, which are essential for energy production.”
Vegan snack bars
Often low in protein and fiber but high in syrup or date paste. “You’ll feel full for 30 minutes, then tired and hungry again.”
Herbal teas
Chamomile, valerian, and lavender teas promote relaxation — but that’s not ideal at 11 a.m. “These are bedtime drinks, not midday productivity boosters.”
Magnesium-rich foods at the wrong time
Bananas, nuts, and dark chocolate: “Great before bed, but if eaten in bulk early in the day, they can have a sedative effect.”
Smoothies with too much fruit and not enough balance
“A smoothie with banana, mango, and orange juice might seem healthy, but it’s a sugar bomb. Without fat or protein, you’ll spike and slump within the hour.”
The “Fatigue Tracker” Rule
Madole recommends tracking how you feel 30–60 minutes after meals. “If you’re bloated, foggy, or fighting to stay awake, it’s likely the meal was unbalanced or missing something critical.”
For sustained energy, she suggests pairing slow-digesting carbs (like sweet potato or oats) with lean protein and a source of healthy fat for longer-lasting fuel and focus.
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