Can't stay awake after lunch?

How often have you suddenly found yourself longing for a nap on the sofa on Tuesday afternoon at the office?  That low energy moment after lunch when you just can't seem to stay awake.  The terrifying thought that someone could set up a meeting at that time is enough to have you panic stricken about being able to stay awake.

Well, this is normal... especially when you are eating incorrectly.

One of the main causes for this is that after a heavy lunch your body is using as much energy as possible to digest all you have eaten, this diverts blood from the brain to help with the digestion process which in turn, makes you feel lethargic.  If you have had a lot to eat and especially if you have mixed carbs with protein, it will take you body a lot longer to get through the digestion process.  If you avoid the carbs at lunch and stick to protein and vegetables you won't hit the slump.

What's more, we are all eating way more than our bodies need.  Portions have increased by about 50% in the past 20 years.  We really don't need to eat as much as we do and a light lunch works wonders.  Eating large amounts of pasta will always be a challenge for our systems, especially if you chuck a meat sauce over it.  Think light, eat lots of vegetables and some protein, eat slowly and away from your computer.  Chew properly and be mindful of what you are eating.

Stay as far away from sugar as possible.  The minute we find ourselves lacking energy we tend to stroll to the vending machine and grab a chocolate bar.  But sugar just causes a spike in your blood glucose levels, giving you an instant "high", which is lost just as quickly when insulin is released to lower the level of glucose in your blood.  So your "high" gets converted into a "low" very quickly, taking you right back to your lack of energy and your need for another "high".

Snacks can be healthful and energy giving too - even if they don't have sugar in them.  High protein and high fat snacks can do wonders.  Think nuts... a handful of raw nuts gives your energy a healthy boost, or half an avocado, for example.

Don't worry about having a coffee or a cup of tea.  Caffeine is a good energy booster and can also lower your risk of Alzheimer's and diabetes, can boost your mental as well as your physical performance.  A cup of coffee after lunch can work wonders - just don't have any too far into the afternoon as you may have problems sleeping.

Some fresh air is an essential part of any working day.  Being stuck in an office all day from 9-5 with recycled air and staring at a computer screen is enough to make anyone feel exhausted.  So have your lunch, a coffee and then go for a brisk walk.  Make it as long as your schedule will allow - the ideal is half an hour.  Studies have shown that a half hour walk at lunchtime increases our energy AND our productivity once we are back at our desks.  It also helps build muscles, boosts our mood and also our self-confidence so, what are you waiting for?  Talk to some of your friends at work, they might be willing to join you!

I can help you improve your health.  If you would like to make an appointment with me either in person or via Skype, just send me an email to lucycarr@socialnutrition.com