Energy-Boosting Foods To Get You Through The Afternoon Slump

It’s 3 pm, you’re ready to fall asleep. You’ve hit a wall, a slump… whatever you’re calling it, it’s totally killing your productivity.

When we’re busy, many of us tend to reach for foods that are convenient, but not very healthy—and end up paying for it in the long run.

What To Eat To Avoid The Afternoon Slump

So, how do you get out of the rut of that midday slump? Grab some healthy snacks—healthy being the operative word—to give yourself a boost. Or, better yet, stock up on these healthy energy-boosting afternoon snacks to help avoid the slump altogether.

Healthy snacks will keep you perky, productive, and guilt-free. There are many healthy foods you can eat to give you the energy you need to power through the rest of your day. Avoid quick fixes like coffee or other caffeinated drinks so you don’t experience the inevitable crash later in the day.

Here are a few things that’ll give you an afternoon energy boost (and, no, caffeine isn’t one of them):

1. 1. Bananas

Fruits are packed with natural sugars and fibre that your body burns to give you energy. Bananas are especially great sources of energy since they have a good mix of vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. Keep a banana (or a few, depending on your love for bananas) handy to keep your energy up and your mind sharp during the day.

1. 1. Avocado

Throw a chopped up avocado in a salad to give you a little extra boost. This creamy fruit (yes, it’s a fruit, we checked) will give you healthy fats, B-vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin E that are essential for your energy levels. Not to mention they are oh-so-tasty.

1. 1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is fantastic for both breakfast, lunch, and a snack because it gives you energy that lasts. It’s a great source of vitamins, minerals like iron, folate, and thiamin which your body needs to function efficiently. All that fibre in oats helps you feel full for longer and gives you long-lasting energy. Oats are also naturally gluten-free so it’s great for people with intolerances or allergies.

1. 1. Nuts

Nuts are the epitome of convenient, energy-boosting snacks. Nuts have healthy fats, protein, and fibre to give your body something to burn to create the energy you so need in the afternoon. That energy boost you need has to come from somewhere so keep a little baggy of almonds, cashews, or pistachios at the ready for a quick snack on the go.

1. 1. Yogurt

Yogurt is a great way to get your calcium and magnesium as well as the good bacteria your digestive system needs to keep you regular. It also gives you quick calories to boost your energy.

Quick tip: Watch what kind of yogurt you’re buying. Heavily processed, preservative-laden, and sugar-packed yogurt could actually make you feel worse.

1. 1. Oranges

Not only is the scent of oranges invigorating, these vitamin C-packed fruits give you a kick too! Potassium, folate, fibre, and natural sugars can pick you up out of that slump.

1. 1. Seeds

Quinoa, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds are so healthy for you and give you tons of energy-boosting nutrients (like calcium, for starters). You can eat them on their own as a tasty snack or add them into your lunch (like salads) for an extra boost. Add in one of the other healthy snacks on this list to keep your energy from dipping.

1. 1. Greens

Eating (or drinking) your greens is a surefire way to boost your energy levels during a long day. The vitamins and minerals will give you a kick while fibre and digestive enzymes will help with any bloating and sluggishness you could be feeling. Make a tasty, nutritious salad with spinach, kale, fennel, and anything else leafy and green.

If you’re looking for a convenient way to add more greens to your day, check out our Green Cleanse.

1. 1. Cold Pressed Juice

Cold pressed juices offer all the benefits of hydration plus energizing, nutritious ingredients. Get one with greens, fruits, and vegetables to give you a nice boost of energy to keep you from napping later in the day.

Check out our cold pressed juices for a little pick-me-up delivered straight to your home!

Tips To Perk You Up After Lunch

The afternoon slump is real. On top of eating healthy, energy-boosting foods, it’s a good idea to have a few tricks up your sleeve to keep you energized throughout the day.

1. 1. Drink a lot of water

Ice cold water can shock you awake so fill up your trusty water bottle and take a generous sip every now and again. Drinking water is way better for long-term energy compared to caffeine drinks like coffee or energy drinks that will lead to an energy crash later.

1. 1. Go for a quick walk

Physical exercise gets the blood pumping throughout your body, giving you a little boost. Even if it’s just a walk around the house, block, or office, the movement will help wake you up.

1. 1. Take a mental break

If you’ve been doing one thing for a long time, your brain can get tired. Switch to another task or do something fun for five to ten minutes and you’ll be able to return to your original task with more vigour.

1. 1. Do some stretches

Doing some stretching in your chair—or better yet, standing up—shakes out tense muscles that contribute to you feeling worn out. Stretch and move around to wake up your tired muscles (and mind).

1. 1. Chat with someone

Have a short conversation with a coworker, friend, or family member. Talking and laughing with someone else can wake up your senses and ease some tension you may be feeling. Have a couple laughs to perk you up. When you can’t do this in person, virtual chats or check-ins can be just as effective at boosting your energy and motivation to get things done.

1. 1. Don’t eat a big lunch

Eating too much or eating heavily processed foods at lunch can make you feel bloated, weighed down, and ready for a nap. Try eating healthy snacks throughout the day and a lighter lunch to keep your energy levels from dipping during the day.

Feeling Sluggish Lately?

If your body isn’t getting all the nutrients it needs, that 3pm slump is going to hit you hard (and often).

If you’re feeling that afternoon lull a little more often than you’d like, take a look at what you’ve been eating lately. Try to get back on track with some of the healthy snacks listed above to keep your body going and fight the afternoon slump.