For many people, the afternoon is the part of the day that is most difficult to be productive. A full belly after lunch can make it hard to focus and stay awake. This is even true if your sleep habits are good. Here are some possible lunch ideas that will help you avoid fatigue.
Eat Complex Carbs
You might think that all carbohydrates are basically the same, no matter the source–but you would actually be wrong. Simple carbs are those that are derived sugars that you might find naturally. Fruits, syrups, and anything else with added sugars are simple carbs.
They digest a little bit quicker and provide a temporary rush. Complex carbs, on the other hand, provide energy that usually is a bit more sustainable. Bread, pasta, rice, crackers, and so on are some of the most common sources of complex carbohydrates.
Eat a Salad
Salads are an easy and popular lunch for a good reason. There are a huge variety of possibilities. Whether you want a savory or a sweet salad, you’re going to find that you’ll be able to customize and tailor it until it’s exactly what you need. Traditional salads that contain lots of fresh vegetables are healthy and invigorating.
Leafy greens contain tons of nutrients, including some that keep your teeth strong. Fresh produce contains a wide variety of critical nutrients. Even dressings can be healthy–olive oil is a fantastic and natural source of healthy fats that doesn’t contribute to heart disease as other oils do. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a good salad.
Portion Control
People tend to get sleepy after they have positively stuffed themselves with food. Even though most people probably won’t be having a lavish feast in a work environment, you should keep your portions in mind. Eating lots of carbs and proteins (e.g., chicken and rice) in one sitting is going to make you a lot sleepier than a salad. There’s nothing wrong with such carbs and proteins inherently. In fact, they’re an essential source of energy and mental clarity. But they do tend to be heavier food options. Make sure you’re eating enough to feel full but not so much that you’re consistently wanting to fall asleep.
Lunch is quite important for a successful workday. You need that valuable energy. Skipping lunch will always have negative consequences. If you’re careful about what you eat, you will find that a healthy, filling, energizing lunch isn’t so hard to prepare after all.
Did you like reading this article? Here’s more to read: Lesser-Known Benefits of Eating More Greens