Hump Day Helpers

Happy Hump Day.  Usually Wednesday feel like slump day...Ever feel that mid-afternoon slump?  Most people feel a drop in energy level anytime between 2-5 in the afternoon.  We feel drained, lethargic, and basically want to take a nap.  Here are some tips to beat the mid-afternoon slump.

• Start each day with a good breakfast, which includes a mix of carbs and protein.  Women should eat about 300-400 calories at breakfast (recommended-WebMD).
• Carbs help get you going (energy) and protein fuels the brain and muscles.  The combination of carbs and protein helps to increase concentration levels.
• Eat a well balanced lunch, no matter how busy you are, lunch is essential to help beat the afternoon slump.  It might even prevent that afternoon headache.
• Eat light at lunch, a mix of carbs and protein is recommended.  Heavy lunches or lunches with a lot of fat help increase that lethargic feeling.  
• Take a walk outside
• Drink some water
• Have a healthy mid-afternoon snack.
• yogurt with granola
• select peanut butter crackers instead of a candy bar
• trail mix with nuts (skip the one with the M-n-M's, my personal favorite) 
• eat fresh fruit or veggies
• And of course,  a 20 min. power nap, if possible.  (don't try this at work!)