Unless you live in a country where your job is required to give you an afternoon nap or siesta, you know the after-lunch struggle. The time spent after lunch is never as productive as the mid-morning. All you want to do is chill out, relax, and wait for the clock to tell you you’re free.
What if you actually had the energy to be productive? We all know that times moves faster when you aren’t watching it. While sodas and energy bars might work for awhile, they’re hardly healthy, and the crash is not worth the effort. Take a look at this list of healthy foods to give you that extra afternoon burst. These 5 food items to have after exercising will also give you some additional information for a better healthy life.
1. Quinoa
Besides being a food that will kick your metabolism into high gear, quinoa is also known for its energy giving properties. It has more protein than any other grain on the planet, plus those amino acids your doctor keeps telling you to take. This combination makes this little grain the perfect vessel for long lasting energy.
All you have to do is sprinkle some on top of your salad, add some to your protein shake, or just throw them in your mouth like they were a handful of Skittles.
2. Eggs
These are a staple of any balanced breakfast for more reasons than being simply delicious. Eggs have long been known to provide protein and fatty acids (the good kind!), and to aid in appetite suppression. The properties will slowly dissolve into your system, leaving you feeling energetic all day.
Check this easy egg salad recipe with hard-boiled eggs.
3. Bananas
High in protein and glucose, bananas aren’t just the lyric to a popular song. Eating one of these will give you the energy boost you need to push past the two o’clock hour and make it to the end of the day. Eat another one right before your workout at the gym and really crush it.
Try banana and mango smoothie.
4. Dark Chocolate
Cacao will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but it will increase your alertness and attentiveness. A small piece is more than enough, so don’t eat the whole thing. A bar of dark chocolate should last you several days. Those ones that are already cut up into serving sizes are there for a reason.
5. Water
Doctors and Dieticians have been begging people to consume more water for forever. It’s recommended to drink at least eight glasses a day. Why are they such sticklers about this? Not only is dehydration detrimental to your health, it has massive effects on your energy levels. It might be a good time to start carrying around a jug of water for when you need that extra boost.
