Our nutritionist shares the snacks to stop those visits to the vending machine.
Usually when people think about eating healthy they associate the benefits with how it’ll make them look, but eating well is just as important for nourishing your brain. Eating the right foods throughout the day can affect your mood and energy levels and the right foods can have a positive impact on the way you think, perform and create. This is especially important during working hours when you need to be productive. Studies have proven that the least productive time of day falls at around 3pm but certain nutrients can help keep productivity levels consistent throughout the afternoon.
First things first… It’s important to avoid the sugary, simple carbohydrate snacks during the afternoon. Foods high in sugar block neurons that help you feel awake, resulting in another crash not long after consuming. You also want to avoid foods that are void of nutrients and contain “empty” calories. Research shows that what we eat throughout the day can have a major impact on our productivity and cognitive performance, which is why a poor decision about what we eat can derail an entire afternoon. So what should you be snacking on when you start to lose steam in the afternoon?
Protein-rich foods
A protein rich afternoon snack will help keep you powering through to the end of the day. Protein can help fuel the body with the neurotransmitter dopamine, which helps keep you alert and increases concentration and creativity. Whilst Protein rich foods don’t actually contain dopamine the right afternoon snack can encourage your body to create it. Protein will also help increase satiety (the feeling of fullness) and will reduce cravings that have you reaching for the cookie jar or sneaking off to the vending machine.
Healthy fats
Healthy fats are also a fantastic option when it comes to the 3pm munchies. The human brain is nearly 60 percent fat and fatty acids play a crucial role in determining your brain’s integrity and ability to perform. Omega 3s found in nuts and seeds can enhance your ability to concentrate, retain information and think creatively. Unsaturated fats also lower inflammation in the brain and promote communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Our favourite 3pm snacks
Almond and Chia Snack Pack – A perfect snack sized packet of mixed nuts, seeds and toasted coconut this delicious little goodie bag is perfect to keep you powering through the afternoon, nuts are a source of healthy fats which not only keeps you satiated but also help reduce inflammation.
Sorghum Snack Pack – An ultra low calorie snack that’s high in protein and fiber. We’ve also seasoned it with chili for a little kick that will help boost your alertness and keep your metabolism humming along all day.
Protein Balls – Our hand made, super food protein balls are 100% natural and exactly what you need when you want to reach for something naughty. They have natural sweetness from dates which will help curb your sugar cravings, whilst the healthy fats in the nuts and coconut will improve focus and keep you satiated. The perfect blend of nuts, coconut and sweetened with dates. They are the little sweet treat without the guilt.
It is important to remember that what you eat can either boost your mental capacity and creativity or it can hinder it, leading to a feeling of fatigue and a long afternoon of distraction… so choose wisely when reaching for your afternoon pick me up!
