in Lifestyle, Nutrition

7 ‘Super’ Foods To Beat The Afternoon Slump

by TK Sanders December 5, 2022, 4:56 pmupdated December 5, 2022, 5:01 pm 461 Views 2,874 Comments

Everyone knows what the afternoon slump feels like: the eyes get heavy, the computer screen gets blurry, and the work slows way down. It also comes on fast, and no amount of caffeine can make it go away, especially if you’ve already had a couple cups of coffee in the morning.

The cause of the sleepy afternoon is fluctuating blood sugar, typically from a lunchtime spike where carbs are consumed. But we can actually use food to our advantage. The right kinds of snacks in the afternoon will quickly fuel our brains with the right kinds of sugars without causing insulin spikes in the bloodstream. We just need some superfoods added to the diet.

The term “superfood” doesn’t have a real definition, but there are a handful of foods that provide sustained bursts of energy without any sort of negative side effects; so we’ll create a definition for today: foods low in sugar and high in nutrients that support anti-inflammation, blood sugar balance, and immune support.

Eating these seven “superfoods,” especially in the afternoon when energy begins to wane, will optimize our attention, our focus, and our productivity

Avocados

Fat was vilified for decades by the food industry, which wanted to capitalize on market perception by introducing “low fat” snacks — most of which were just processed foods high in sugar and synthetic ingredients.

The truth is that healthy fats like those found in avocados provide sustained energy that lasts hours. Avocados also contain protein and fiber, and are versatile enough to fit into a wide variety of meals. Add them next to your eggs for a powerful breakfast, or slap them on a piece of whole-grain toast with some cheese crumbles and a squeeze of citrus for a delicious ‘avo toast.’

Blueberries

Perhaps the first and most trendy “superfood” to ever gain modern recognition is the blueberry. The complex carb will fulfill your sweet tooth while the antioxidants reduce inflammation in your body. Add them to whole milk yogurt with a drizzle of honey and some walnuts for a healthy dessert after dinner, too.

Golden milk

If you haven’t tried Golden milk (made with turmeric), what have you been waiting for? The Curcumin in turmeric can reduce inflammation and promote the energy levels to beat chronic fatigue. Certain Indian cultures have been making Golden milk for hundreds of years to improve the immune system, too.

Check out our popular recipe HERE.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes have long been a staple of the bodybuilder’s diet, and for good reason. Packed with both complex carbs and a mega-dose of fiber, sweet potatoes offer hours of energy support without the same crash as a sugary substitute.

Seeds

Seeds like pumpkin, chia, hemp, and flax serve as a nice source of slow-digesting protein, especially for plant-based diets. Filled with fatty acids and fiber that will satiate you and boost your energy without the crash, seeds can be incorporated into smoothies, added to salads, or enjoyed by the handful.

Wild-caught fish

You may not be the most popular person in the office for eating fish, but you’ll feel fantastic. High in omega-3 fatty acids, wild caught fish consumption will help balance mood, maintain blood sugar, and improve brain function when you’re battling brain fog.

Green tea

Yes, green tea contains a small amount of caffeine, but nutritionally it offers a much different experience for your body than a cup of coffee (or worse, an energy drink). Green tea contains powerful antioxidants that can dramatically reduce stress and combat chronic fatigue. It also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which slows the absorption of caffeine in the brain and helps prevent the “crash” we feel after too much coffee.

Enjoy your natural afternoon energy boost!