Try oatmeal for an energy-boosting snack.
We've all been there. It's 2:15 in the afternoon and we start to yawn. Our eyes begin to get droopy and it's hard to focus on our job. If only we could just take a nap! The next best thing to sleep is a mid-afternoon snack. Here are some tips for choosing a snack that will get you back in the game.
The Biology of It All
The human body has a natural rhythm that causes us to experience a mid-afternoon lull. Sleep expert Michael J. Breus explains that for those of us on a typical schedule, our core body temperature will drop slightly in the mid-afternoon. This signals the brain to get sleepy, and is part of the reason some cultures take a nap after lunch.
In lieu of sleep, we can eat a high-energy snack to help us break through that lull and increase our energy and focus. Nutritionist Lona Sandon suggests choosing snacks packed with carbohydrates for energy and protein for concentration.
High-Energy, Low Fat Snacks
Oatmeal - Oatmeal is an excellent choice to tackle your mid-afternoon energy crisis. It's jam packed with energy-boosting carbohydrates and naturally low in fat. It's also easy to add some protein by just tossing in a few nuts. For a convenient, on-the-go solution, try Quaker Real Medleys . The four mouth-watering flavor combinations come in their own convenient package - just add water and microwave! They're available in Apple Walnut, Cherry Pistachio, Peach Almond and Summer Berry.
String Cheese and Whole-Wheat Crackers - String cheese gives you both portability and protein, making it a good option to take along in your lunch bag or purse. Add a few whole-wheat crackers and you'll get the carbohydrates you need for a mid-afternoon energy boost.
Fresh Fruit and a Hard-Boiled Egg - Another smart combination to revive your energy and focus is a piece of fresh fruit, like an apple or banana for energy, and a hard-boiled egg for concentration. Switch up your fruit choices from day to day to keep it interesting and fresh.
Trail Mix - Trail mix is packed with energy-boosting nutrition. There are endless varieties available, just be sure to choose one that has both carbohydrates and protein. Most contain some sort of dried fruit and at least one type of nut.
Granola Bars - You can't get much more convenient and portable than a granola bar. Be sure to read the label and choose one that packs the biggest carbohydrate and protein punch per calorie.
Content by Cherri Megasko .