How are you after lunch? If you’re anything like me, the afternoon slump hits around two or three pm. Droopy eyelids, saggy shoulders and a serious motivation dip. Have you ever felt the afternoon slump? The slump that can drive you right to the vending machine for a caffeinated drink or chocolate fix to boost your mood and energy levels.
Since making the move to clean eating, I have learned that eating the right foods earlier in the day can help to “snooze” the slump – meaning, when we eat foods that give an energy boost we can save ourselves the empty calories and some loose change too.
Download the Clean Eating for Beginners Guide to get started!
An easy way to make your midday more dynamic is to pack AND EAT a healthier lunch. The nutrients in these lunch meals keep you from getting that “draggy” feeling later in the day. A bonus is that if you’re not a morning workout person, you’ll be more energized to press play on a workout instead of grabbing a nap. Tune in here for some nutrition tips and then scroll on down for 4 lunchtime meals to give you an afternoon energy boost!
Greek Yogurt Parfait
A yogurt parfait is super simple to make and way better than the sugary yogurts stocked at the grocery store. After eating a yogurt parfait you’ll feel nice and full longer thanks to the protein from the fiber in the Greek Yogurt, oat clusters or quinoa, and the fruit.
Here’s how to make it:
Layer a cup of mixed berries, with a ½ cup of 2% Greek yogurt and a ½ cup of oat clusters or quinoa. Add a small drizzle of honey to top it off!
Kale Salad with Avocado
Leafy greens are a great way to have more food on your plate without increasing the calories. Avocado is packed with protein and healthy fat, which will keep you feeling full longer. Plus, avocado has a compound called oleic acid, which helps to reduce appetite and targets belly fat. BOOM!
Here’s how to make it:
Mix a cup or more of chopped kale – even pick up a pre-mixed bag at the grocery store – and add half a chopped avocado. Toss in more veggies – halved cherry tomatoes, cubed roasted sweet potatoes, and some pumpkin seeds. Drizzle with lemon dressing and you’re all set. (Lemon 🍋 dressing – mix 3 parts of EVOO, with 1 part fresh lemon juice.)
Veggie Burger
Veggie burgers pack a lot of protein and fiber, which will keep you full AND give you an energy boost to power through your afternoon. The Morningstar Farms frozen Garden Veggie Burgers are filled with good things like mushrooms, water chestnuts, onion, carrots and red bell peppers. Zap one in the microwave and top with 1 slice of low fat cheese, lettuce and tomato on a whole grain bun. Go for open face to save some calories on the bun!
Root Veggie Bowl
Quinoa is a superfood grain that is high in dietary fiber and protein, but still low in calories. Quinoa is low on the glycemic index, so it doesn’t spike your blood sugar or trigger carb cravings. Adding root vegetables to the mix, adds more fiber without a lot of calories. Together, you’re keeping everything working with your digestive system – so way less bloating.
Here’s how to make it:
Mix 1 cup of cooked quinoa with 2 cups of roasted and diced root veggies. Choose from carrots, beets, turnips, sweet potatoes, and radishes) Toss with 1-2 Tbsp of your favorite pesto for a great flavor boost.
Be sure to download my free Instant Pot cookbook for “no fail” quinoa cooking!
Eating for Your Goals
Oh, and by the way, according to WebMD about half of the American population is trying to slim down. Are you in that 50%? or if you’re not on a journey to drop those health impairing pounds, maybe you’re part of the population that is striving to tone up and/or build muscle.
Have you been in the mindset that eating less is a way to control your weight? My friend, I have learned that just doesn’t work. Or at least it doesn’t keep on working, if you know what I mean? The key is to incorporate healthy living habits that last a lifetime — not just a fast fix. To lose weight, you need accountability, a plan, and achievable goals. But most importantly, you need a sense of community. I am pleased to invite you to join me this fall for my healthy living accountability group – The Back to School Bootcamp!
Back to School Bootcamp
When you register for the bootcamp, I will work with you to choose the fitness program and matching nutrition system to help you reach your wellness and weight loss goals. We’ll keep each other accountable using an exclusive app, where I’ll be coaching you and other ladies just like us that want to regain our confidence and feel great in our skin and clothes! I’ll post motivational tips, recipes, ideas, and concepts so you’ll never feel alone. Apply below!