- By Bornika Das
- Tue, 08 Apr 2025 02:17 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Lunch Habits To Beat Afternoon Slump: Afternoon slump is familiar to most people. It happens most of the time after people eat lunch and soon they start a battle with fatigue, laziness and have the urge to take a nap. These reasons cause a drop in energy and people find it hard to concentrate and focus. Feeling sluggish after lunch is common, but it is not inevitable. Although most people think that it is the busy morning or the restless night that causes the afternoon slump, it is actually the lunch habits. Incorporating a few smart lunch habits will help you to boost energy post afternoon meal.
Practicing certain healthy lunch habits will enable you to fight the post-noon lunch slump. The smart habits will enable people to feel refreshed, focused and energised, limiting the intake of unnecessary cups of caffeine to keep awake. Here’s a list of five healthy lunch habits that will help you to remain active post afternoon lunch.
Smart Lunch Habits To Boost Energy Post Meal
Balanced Meal
If your lunch contains refined carbs or sugars like white bread, pasta, pastries, or sugary drinks, it can lead to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This causes a sharp crash, leaving you tired, irritable and unfocused. Thus, plan a well-balanced diet that helps to fuel your body without making you feel slumped. Aim for a mix of lean proteins (chicken, tofu, legumes), complex carbs (brown rice, quinoa), healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, paneer) and plenty of vegetables. This will help stabilise blood sugar levels and provide long-lasting energy.
Heavy, Greasy Foods
Deep-fried snacks, creamy sauces and overly processed foods may satisfy your taste buds temporarily, but they can lead to sluggishness and digestive discomfort. As these foods take longer to digest, they pull the energy away from the brain and muscles to the gut, making the person feel tired. It is always better to opt for lighter, nutrient-dense food options.
Pre And Post-Meal Hydration
Dehydration can often make you feel less energetic after lunch. It is important to drink a glass of water before your meal and sip throughout after the afternoon meal to stay active and refreshed.
Balanced Diet Prevents Afternoon Laziness (Image Credits: Canva)
Portion Size
Overeating, even healthy foods, can make you feel bloated and tired. Listen to your hunger cues and avoid overloading yourself with food. Eat until you’re comfortably full as this helps to maintain energy levels without triggering the dreaded ‘food coma.’
Post-Lunch Walk
To avoid the afternoon slump, take a 10-15-minute walk after lunch. It not only helps in digestion but also regulates blood sugar levels and gives an energy boost. A quick stroll around your office or neighbourhood helps clear the mind and stay active post-noon.