We’ve all experienced the “afternoon slump,†the time when our stomach begins to grumble and we feel exhausted. Since the majority of us don’t have the privilege of a siesta, we can make healthy snack and lifestyle choices to feel refreshed and renewed. In general, it is best to keep a regular exercise schedule to maintain energy, a healthy body, alertness, clear thinking, and a better mood. The next step is to eat healthy foods. Many times when we snack during this “afternoon slump,” we tend to reach for sugar thinking it will give us energy. Before you chew, think long-term and fuel your body instead of simply feeding it. When you fuel your body with foods that are nutrient-rich, it will benefit you while you are eating and in the future. Here are some healthy snack options that will release the afternoon slump.
1. Smoothie
If you whip up a smoothie with fruits and vegetables, this will perk up your afternoon slump. A wonderful green smoothie with spinach, banana, and berries will give you huge amounts of iron, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. If you add some chia seeds, this power food has extra fiber, omega, and protein. All of these nutrients will give you the natural energy you need instead of the empty calories from chips or candy.
2. Trail Mix
There are many variations of this healthy snack. If you combine some of these options such as sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, raisins, granola, and fruit. Collectively these seeds and nuts have a tremendous amount of protein zinc, fiber, omega, healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium. Sunflower seeds are known to aid in lowering blood pressure, prevent migraines, and naturally calm nerves.
3. Hummus and Vegetables
With a high level of antioxidants, fiber, amino acids and vitamin B. Hummus is known to help in weight reduction, increase your mood reduce cholesterol and give you a lot of energy. Pair the hummus with a vegetable of your choice and you will have a healthy win-win.