Afternoon slump? Recharge with these foods.

Who hasn’t had an afternoon when they needed some extra energy, something to give their energy a boost?  Well rather than hit the snack machine for some high sugar, high salt food or grab a left over donut in the break room, what are some foods that can give you an afternoon pick me up?  Men’s Health has some good ideas on  Foods That FIght Off an Afternoon Slump.

•  Green Tea – Coffee is great in the morning and who doesn’t like their morning coffee?  But in the afternoon a good choice is a cup of green tea.  It contains theanine and some caffeine to help stimulate your reaction time and creativity.  The theanine will stimulate your brain cells without the jitteriness of coffee.  Keep some packets of green tea in your desk at work and be ready for an afternoon pick me up.
• Almonds – a handful of nuts a day is a great health habit.  Almonds are a great mix of heart healthy fat, protein and fiber.  A study from Purdue University indicated almonds could aid in weight loss rather than promote weight gain.  Almonds can boost your energy levels without spiking your blood glucose levels.  Rather, almonds provide a “smooth shot of energy”.
• Greek yogurt – or any yogurt.  Yogurt provides a good amount of protein for a steady state of energy.  It also provides calcium and vitamin D which many people are lacking these days.  Greek yogurt is higher in protein than other yogurts but also lower in calcium so women may prefer other yogurts.
• Dark chocolate – who doesn’t love chocolate?  It is the dark chocolate that has health benefits.  The phenyethylamine in dark chocolate helps release dopamine, the feel good hormone in your body.  But don’t over do it.  As I wrote previously:    Portions – keep them small as chocolate has calories and fat. One ounce of chocolate has about 168 calories and provides 12 grams of fat.  Can Chocolate be Good for Your Heart?

  Sources:  Foods That FIght Off an Afternoon Slump, Can Chocolate be Good for Your Heart?

Image Source:  Green Tea