Are you the kind of person who dozes off at work? Can’t seem to resist an afternoon nap?
Here are foods to keep you awake!
We all know the feeling of checking the time endlessly when the afternoon rolls around. We may even start to dream about taking an afternoon catnap. We might even “rest our eyes” for a brief period of time after staring at our computer screens.
But, did you know that there are foods that keep you awake throughout the day?
Getting tired after lunch is a common dilemma. Your productivity can slow down, leaving you to get more and more behind at work. You may also start to feel cranky or irritable, which is difficult for positions where you are working with others.
This afternoon slump, however, is a biological reaction. However, it can also be highly influenced by the foods you eat at lunchtime.
Food has an extraordinary ability to influence our mood, energy levels, and overall health. The saying “we are what we eat” can certainly explain why our afternoon fatigue occurs.
Food is more than just a way to curb your hunger. Food is a powerful substance that can actually affect the structure of your brain. This makes choosing the right foods paramount for your health and your quality of life.
Want to know which foods help you to stay awake? Read on to discover which foods help you to stay energized.
No Naps: Foods That Keep You Awake
We all know how to eat healthily. But, that doesn’t mean we always follow healthy eating guidelines. This is especially true when we are at work.
Work requires focus and energy. Sometimes our need to be productive and alert can result in stress. Stress can also cause us to reach for foods that provide instant gratification and comfort instead of long-lasting energy.
Stress is a modern epidemic. Stress isn’t always a bad thing, but chronic stress can be. Chronic stress can result in obesity, sleep problems, and even health problems such as heart disease.
We may have heard about many ways to reduce stress, but did you know that the foods you eat can also curb stress and fatigue? Explore the following foods that keep you awake and help your body to function at its best.
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Raw Veggies
Raw veggies are a great choice to add to your lunch. They’re also a great snack to reach for instead of going to the office vending machine. This is because raw veggies take longer to digest, which can help you to stay awake after eating them.
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Tomatoes
Tomatoes boost brain activity, which can help you to beat the afternoon slump. This is because they help to release norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system.
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Water
Water helps to regulate our bodies. It is a great way to boost your energetic bodily processes to help you get the most out of the foods you eat. Aim to drink at least 64oz of water per day or half your weight in ounces.
It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day to prevent fatigue. You can also know you’re hydrated when your urine is mostly clear with a tinge of yellow.
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Whole Grains
Unlike processed foods, whole grains provide a steady source of energy. Processed grains like donuts may provide an immediate boost in energy, but it doesn’t last for long. This may lead to you to reach for another processed food shortly after.
Instead, eat whole grains like oats, quinoa, or wild rice at lunch.
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Fruit
Craving some sweetness at lunchtime? Opt for fruit instead of a sugary treat. Fruits have natural sugars that are processed more slowly in the body.
They provide a boost of energy without elevating blood sugar dramatically. Some fruits also contain Vitamin C, which is a great brain-boosting vitamin.
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Proteins
Lean proteins are great sources of slow-burning energy. Opt for lean meats at lunchtime such as grilled chicken or pork. If you’re a vegetarian, then opt for legumes or tofu at lunch.
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Bananas
Even though bananas are a fruit, they deserve their own special consideration along with these most powerful choices for brain health. Bananas are packed with fiber, potassium, and vitamins, which are excellent sources of energy. Bananas are also an easy-to-carry snack and very inexpensive.
They can also be purchased at most gas stations, convenience stores, and coffee shops.
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Nuts and Seeds
Constantly fighting the afternoon slump? Feel like there aren’t any convenient food options to choose from? Simply store a bag of nuts or seeds on your desk and grab a few.
Nuts and seeds keep you full and provide a slow-burning source of energy. They fight both fatigue and hunger while providing you with vitamins and nutrients.
When purchasing nuts and seeds, opt for unsalted versions. Try out a variety to discover which is your favorite. Nuts and seeds you can try include pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
You can also make an afternoon fruit and veggie smoothie and add in chia seeds.
Purchasing Foods that Keep You Awake
Learning about foods that keep you awake is just the first step to getting healthier. The next step is taking action by creating a meal plan or going to the grocery store.
When going to the grocery store, aim to stick to foods that are located on the outer rim of the store. This includes produce, the deli, and the dairy aisles. These foods are typically the freshest, which makes them healthy choices.
You should also wash most of the products you purchase at the store. When possible, opt for seasonal, local, or organic produce. Each of these types has a wide variety of health benefits that can help you to feel better throughout the day.
In addition to eating healthy foods that keep you awake, it’s also important to exercise regularly. The recommended amount of exercise per week is 150 minutes.
Always talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise or diet plan. Make sure that any medications you are taking won’t interact with your new food plan or food choices. You should also make sure that you are healthy enough to do certain exercises before attempting them.
Want to learn more about the benefits of exercise? Check out our blog post to learn more.
