I get very tired in the afternoon at work. What foods should I eat for energy? What foods should I not eat?

12 Comments

1. theycallmeholla says:

   June 22, 2010 at 4:28 pm

   If your getting tired during the afternoon, it’s most likely one of three things.

   A) You aren’t sleeping enough. Your body needs a consistent and thorough sleep. If you aren’t waking up naturally and dread the sound of an alarm clock, then you aren’t getting enough sleep.

   B) You aren’t eating a healthy breakfast or breakfast at all for that matter. I’m not suggesting that you eat a tub of fat for breakfast but LITERALLY a slice of cheesecake is better than nothing. Your body is very sensitive and needs a kick in the morning. As far as eating during the day. I would make sure to get something with natural sugars in it like fruit. Bananas are great for this but you need to constantly eat small ‘meals’ or snacks throughout the day to keep your metabolism working for you. Snack on nuts or popcorn. Carbohydrates are also great for you because your body can break them down quickly. Try yogurt or some cottage cheese with fruit.

   C) You are dehydrated. Yup. Over half the time that you are tired and/or hungry you are actually thirsty. The problem is that the warning signs come late. By the time you feel hungry/tired, you should have already been stocking water in your body. Try to bring a bottle with you everywhere you go. I spend a lot of time at home during the week and I have a gallon of water that I make myself finish everyday.

   What not to eat?

   Highly fatty foods or Heavy foods that make you want to take a nap rather than be proactive. Don’t let yourself eat to get full because all your energy will be focused to your digestive tract.

   One more thing – Exercise. Before work or on break or after. Exercise will build your energy to fight the day.
2. g0od_girl10 says:

   June 22, 2010 at 4:28 pm

   well…as you know you should keep off junk foods like donuts ,chips and cookies. Instead have some fruits(apples,banana…) or fruit shake.
3. loveshibuya says:

   June 22, 2010 at 4:28 pm

   No fried foods or heavy carbs for lunch.
   For afternoon snacks, protein. Whatever you like as long as it is healthy. No candy or crackers.
   Dont forget to drink PLENTY of water throughout the day, this is most effective in keeping you alert. I drink 500ml as soon as I wake up and drink 4-5 more bottles throughout the day.
4. Diane F says:

   June 22, 2010 at 4:28 pm

   Nuts! I’ve started to bring about 1/2 cup of raw
   (no salt, not roasted) almonds, peanuts, and cashews to work everyday.

   They fill me up and give me a ton of energy before my after work gym time.

   They are a bit calorie dense so don’t go overboard – but they have good fats and it gives you energy for a long time unlike foods with simple carbs.
5. Maria b says:

   June 22, 2010 at 4:28 pm

   Avoid carbs and sugar. Eat proteins like tuna, eggs, meats and cheeses.
6. chrful08 says:

   June 22, 2010 at 4:28 pm

   I find that an apple and a tablespoon of peanut butter are a good pick me up. You could also spread peanut butter on a rice cake as well.Those combinations give me energy and keep me full until dinner time. Protein will give you more energy.
7. Q Lady says:

   June 22, 2010 at 4:28 pm

   I swear by bananas. Gives me the natural pick-me-up that I need.
8. Xiomara M says:

   June 22, 2010 at 4:28 pm

   An apple is more effective in keeping you awake than caffeine!
9. rinoao says:

   June 22, 2010 at 4:28 pm

   eat less carb. They make you real tired very easily.
   don’t eat too much coz that will make the most the blood travel to the stomach to burn it off. It will make you feel lethargic.

   Try to go for protein/ fibre/ fruits.
10. teach says:

    June 22, 2010 at 4:28 pm

    Don’t eat sugary foods – they’ll give you a burst of energy that lasts an hour and then you’ll be more tired than you were before! Drink an energy drink with no caffeine – or take a 5 min. brisk walk outside to get the oxygen flowing! You can always drink grape juice, Boost, or V-8 juice to give you a little energy.
11. Kier22_2 says:

    June 22, 2010 at 4:28 pm

    I used to follow the Atkins diet & I have never felt better…
    I started it up again because like you I felt like crap & I was gaining weight too.
    Try cutting out caffeine, sugar, and starchy foods…eat a lot of protein & veggies. Drink you 8 glasses of water & you should feel better in a few weeks…
12. economiss says:

    June 22, 2010 at 4:28 pm

    Try to steer clear of carbohydrates and food with lots of calories, cause that can cause food coma.
    Instead try eating fruits, vegetables, fibers and low-calorie food.

    I have the same problem too, but it’s cause I have a boring job =)