Mid Afternoon Energy Lull

anitabenson83

Hi Everyone!

I know all of you have probably encountered this, but I really need some advice. I've noticed that since restricting my food intake and cutting back on carbs especially, always after lunch time between 2 and 4 or so (siesta time I guess) I'm incredibly sluggish and almost fall asleep at my desk. I've been drinking coffee and getting up to walk around, but that doesn't seem to help.

Do any of you have recommendations on how to fight this mid afternoon energy lull which also effects my motivation to get out and exercise after work?

Thanks!

ambercanfly

BUMP! I have this issue as well

emilyc19

bump! after my classes all i want to do is nap until practice haha

cpegasus01

I have found that when I get good sleep and more sleep at night I am not sluggish in the afternoons and actually feel pretty good.

BeesKnees181

I usually have an afternoon snack around that time, or else I fall asleep at my desk Try for protein and unrefined carbs (fruit). I like apple slices with peanut butter or almonds and a pear. Just an idea...

slbeutler

I actually have the opposite effect. You might want to look at what you are actually eating and how often. I try to not go longer than 2-3 hours and have a protein, veggie and fat. I get the afternoon slump on days that I eat more carbs and sugar. You might want to try having a serving of beans at your midday meal and see if it helps.

Sherie13

Are you eating enough at lunchtime? Maybe you need a bit more protein... Or try a afternoon snack with a bit of protein! I always have a small snack to 3/3:30 and feel great.

MistrPeter

If you're new to a low-carb diet, this is normal. It'll be painful for a while, but you will eventually adapt.

You could try these things:

Make sure you're drinking enough water.
Have a small amount of carbs after your lunch (a peach or an apple or something, nothing processed though).
Eat a smaller lunch / eat smaller portions more often.

If this gets really bad, you could try not eating lunch at lunch, and going foraging for food on your lunch hour (take a walk to a sandwich shop). Then when you get back, eat your food at your desk slowly over the next few hours, taking the last bite around 3.

From what I've read, this happens for two reasons. One is related to our not-so-natural sleep cycle, and the other has to do with a sudden intake of too much food at lunch (and not enough at breakfast or between lunch and dinner).

This happens to me too and I watch my carbs like mad. Doing these things has helped.

fitplease

I've had that same phenomenon happen as part of my natural rhythm. I just wade it out and try to do the bulk of work in the morning or in the evening.

How early do you eat lunch? Maybe you need to snack at least 3-4 hours afterwards. Water and an apple or granola bar during that time might take the edge off.

anitabenson83

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for the insight!

Do respond to a few of your questions... and ask some more... first off, what does "bump" mean? I'm new do this forum, but it seems like something I should know about!

Also, for lunch I've been trying to keep it low card and high protein.... usually ezekiel bread and almond butter sandwiches with edamame beans and an apple or banana on the side. Is that too little? I tried to maximize the protein intake to draw upon that as energy.

I've noticed that I've been dehyrdated lately, so I started to amp up my water intake as well.

Thanks again!