Avoiding the Afternoon Slump

How many times has this happened…you are sitting at your desk in  front of your computer and the clock says 2 or 3 PM, and you find yourself struggling to concentrate and stay alert? At this moment, a nap sounds like the best thing in the world!

Here are 3 things you can do to get through the day without a lag in energy:

1. Choose lunch wisely. The decline in energy we feel at 3 PM may be due to a blood sugar drop that happens after a surge of glucose (from carbohydrates) from a large lunch. You might even have a condition called reactive hypoglycemia, where there is excessive insulin from eating, then a resulting low blood sugar state. This can easily be remedied by an adjustment in food choices. First eat a smaller lunch, and be sure it contains some protein, which will moderate blood sugar levels. Then plan to have a small snack before you typically feel the slump, in order to steady glucose levels. The perfect snack would have some protein in it, such as a handful of nuts, a protein bar, or a boiled egg. Just be sure you are cutting back on your lunch portion so you don’t end up consuming more calories than your body needs and gain weight.
2. Moderate your coffee/ caffeine intake. It’s tempting to reach for a cup of coffee when that afternoon slump hits, but you really are doing a disservice. Not only will you and up losing sleep that night, but excess caffeine causes a big spike in energy and then a big drop afterwards making you more tired (unless you continue drinking it).  A better choice would be organic green tea. It gives a more sustained boost in energy, and it offers beneficial side effects such as thermogenic properties, which enhances fat burning, and polyphenols, which have potent antioxidant effects and other health benefits.
3.  Try boosting energy with supplements. To help support  blood sugar levels throughout the day, take a cinnamon extract twice a day. Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb that supports the adrenal glands and counters exhausting effects of stress. Lastly, vitamin B12 can help boost energy, as it is a co-factor for ATP production which is the fuel for our cells.

If you struggle with your energy level in the afternoon, be sure to try these 3 simple tips!

Click the video below to watch Dr. Jen’s appearance on Bridge Street for ABC Channel 9!