The afternoon slump is something that many people who experience it frequently dread. Even if you have a lot of energy when you first wake up, by mid-afternoon, you will likely experience a sudden wave of lethargy and inefficiency.
Lovneet Batra, clinical nutritionist and founder at Nutrition by Lovneet says, “People often feel drowsy during this time due to various factors such as consuming a high salt and high carb lunch, irregular sleep patterns, excessive screen time before bed, and compromised sleep quality.”
Adding energy-boosting snacks to your diet is a simple way to address the problem! Batra added, “Individuals can opt for snacks that contain a mix of lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats. It’s important to avoid snacks like namkeen, biscuits, soft drinks, and excessive tea or coffee, as these can lead to glucose spikes and subsequent crashes.”
Batra recommends eating the following five snacks to boost your energy levels in the afternoon if you’re looking for more targeted solutions:
Sprouts: High in fiber and protein, sprouts are a great food. While fiber facilitates satiety and aids in digestion, protein aids in tissue growth and repair. This helps to avoid energy crashes.
Boiled egg: Rich in protein and beneficial fats, boiling eggs can help maintain stable blood sugar and energy levels.
Fruits with soaked nuts: Fruit and nuts together give a balance of healthy fats, carbs, and protein that promotes sustained satiety and a rapid energy boost.
Boiled chana chaat: Packed with protein and fiber, chana (chickpeas) is a wholesome and satisfying food that helps prevent weariness.
Sattu drink: Mixing traditional Indian flour (satta) with coconut water gives you prolonged energy, electrolytes, and hydration to fight afternoon fatigue. Sattu is formed from roasted grams.
