Here's how to beat that mid-afternoon slump

Hey ,

We’ve all felt it.

The post-lunch, nearing the end of the workday but not quite there yet energy slump.

Our energy levels drop.

Our focus fades. We want to reach for something sweet or caffeinated to get us through the rest of the afternoon.

However, this is not the best option. Here is a simple hack based on science for getting over this slump effectively, while also contributing to weight loss.

We have little cells in our brains known as orexin cells. These cells promote wakefulness and energy expenditure. Therefore, in order to get through the afternoon slump, we want to ensure we are activating these cells and not blocking them.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have found that glucose, (i.e., sugar) blocks these cells—leading to feelings of sleepiness and signaling to the body to not burn energy.

Amino acids, (i.e., protein), on the other hand, activate these cells—leading to feelings of wakefulness and signaling to the body to burn energy! (calories)

So when you feel yourself becoming sluggish or sleepy in the afternoon, reach for a snack with protein and avoid any sugary food.

Research suggests that if you have a choice between jam on toast, or eggs on toast, go for the latter! Even though the two may contain the same number of calories, having a bit of protein will control blood sugar and tell the body to burn more calories out of those consumed.

Some examples:

• Nuts

• Eggs

• Meat

• Cheese

• Nut Butter

• Cottage Cheese

• Full-Fat Greek Yogurt

• Protein Shake

And one of the first things people notice during their first week of doing this, is how much more energy they have during the day!