We’ve all been there. Just finished our lunch break, we sit down to tackle this afternoon’s work load, and suddenly it hits us: the dreaded afternoon slump. Not only does it leave us feeling tired, run down and unmotivated, but it often leads us to filling up on sugary snacks in the fight to keep us going until it’s time to go home where we can finally slump on the sofa and do nothing, promising ourselves that we will go to the gym tomorrow night instead. This is a cycle that can feel impossible to break out of, but it can be done – through making slight changes to our diet. We’ve put together the ultimate list of snacks and drinks that we need to start consuming more of in order to beat the dreaded afternoon lull.
Bananas
We all know that fruit is our friend, providing us will essential vitamins, but it’s also a great alternative to sugary snacks like candy and fizzy soda. Bananas are actually loaded with sugar, but a naturally occurring one (fructose). These are known a ‘simple sugars’, and this type of sugar will fill you with energy without the ‘sugar crash’ that inevitably comes shortly after that chocolate bar you just ate! Bananas are also filled with fiber and potassium, meaning you are getting essential nutrients and minerals at the same time as the natural energy boost. What’s not to love!
Coffee
Coffee is undoubtedly the best energy booster – packed with caffeine, it gives you the boost you need to power through the rest of the day in just one cup. Unlike energy drinks, it doesn’t come with added sugar and also contains high levels of antioxidants, so offers much more nourishment. If you don’t already drink coffee – start! The great thing about drinking coffee is that there are so many flavors and types to choose from so you can be sure to find one that you can enjoy drinking every day. Unlike regular coffee, Nespresso compatible pods offer the same convenience for less, and offer a range of options, so be sure to check them out.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds offer a range of health benefits and are great little energy boosters. Filled with fats (the good type), protein and carbs, they are a great option for an afternoon snack. Although they are high in calories, they are sure to give you the push you need throughout the day. Try swapping your bag of potato chips for some pumpkin seeds or almonds and see the difference in your energy levels. However, try to avoid nuts high in salt, such as salted peanuts, as too much salt can be really damaging for your health, often leading to high blood pressure. Things like almonds, sunflower seeds, and unsalted pistachios are preferable options in order to avoid this.
Diet alone can seriously impact your day to day life. There are many different ‘superfoods’ out there that are great alternatives and will provide you with the burst of energy you need, and the ones on this list offer great health benefits and nourishment at the same time. After just a few days you are sure to see the difference in how you feel, look and even perform at work. So, next time you’re sat in your office chair, struggling to keep your eyes open, avoid reaching for those sugary snacks. Instead, choose one of the options off this list and you may be surprised at how different you feel. You might even make it to the gym!
