NUTRITIONIST Liz Connor provides some top tips for what to eat to beat seasonal fatigue...

Hands up if you struggle to get out of bed, feel like you’re constantly yawning and rely on several pints of coffee to power you through the average working day?

As the days get shorter, we all know how difficult it can be to feel energised in the morning - particularly when you crack open the curtains and see that it’s still dark outside.

Tiredness is one of the UK’s top health complaints - figures from Healthspan (visit website healthspan.co.uk) show that a worrying 97 per cent of us claim we feel tired most of the time, and doctors’ records reveal that 10 per cent of people who book an appointment are looking for a cure for their unexplained tiredness.

If you’re currently battling with the winter wipe out, we’ve put together some tips for boosting your energy levels during the big chill.

Instead of reaching for a cup of coffee, try to naturally boost your energy with nutritious foods.

Avoid gorging on sugary treats for a pick-me-up too; you’ll feel great initially, but they’ll give you a short-lived high that ends in a crash.

Eating oats in the morning will top up your B vitamins, which help convert your food into energy, and will provide a source of slow-release carbs, so you’ll feel fuller for longer.

A portion of lunchtime salmon can provide anti-inflammatory omega-3 to help keep the brain alert, and snacking on goji berries (which provide a number of nutrients to help support energy processes) can also help you through the afternoon slump.

The NHS says that while many people feel tired and sluggish in the winter, it’s usually not a sign of anything serious.

However, some medical conditions can cause tiredness, like Seasonal Affective Disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome and anaemia.

If you think your tiredness is affecting your daily life, or persists for an extended period of time, you should talk to your GP.