Avoiding the Afternoon Burnout

It’s getting to that point in the afternoon when you could really use a cup of coffee. You spend an hour driving to the next truck stop hoping that you’ll be able to find a parking spot. Once you find your spot you start getting excited. The promise of coffee is only minutes away. You enter the truck stop, walk to the coffee island and – GASP there is no coffee! Time and time again you go through this same routine. The anticipation for that afternoon caffeine jolt and the disappointment when there isn’t any.

Get the energy boost you need from other sources. Yes, I can already hear the grumbling. I know exactly how you feel; people who know me know better than to stand between me and my coffee. To avoid the caffeine shakes and headaches try out these alternatives.

Glucose – I know everyone read that word and saw an image of their favourite chocolate bar in their mind, but that’s not the type of sugar I’m talking about. Getting a sugar rush may pick you up for about half an hour, but when you crash, you’ll crash hard. Instead pick something that is high in carbohydrates, the good kind like whole wheat and brown rice. Carbs provide energy to the brain, the muscles and the nervous system.

Fibre – is another great source of energy to keep you going. It takes the body awhile to digest Fibre; this is why it is such a great energy source. Unlike the crash and burn of the sugar high, Fibre will keep you going and going and going. Fibre can be fun and delicious. Grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and beans are all great sources of Fibre.

Water – by now I’m sure we all know that we should be drinking eight glasses of water a day, but how many of us know why. Well, water keeps you hydrated. In order for your body to supply nutrients from all the high energy foods you’ll be eating to your cells, you’ll need to be hydrated. Dehydration will make you tired and exhausted.

Here is a list of some high energy foods that will help get you going in the morning or let you get over that afternoon burn out.

Fruits – avocadoes, berries, citrus fruit, figs, mangos, olives, papayas, pears, raisins, red grapes, and watermelons

Vegetables – broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, celery, spinach, and sweet potatoes

Nuts and Seeds – almonds, cashews, peanut butter, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and walnuts

Whole Grains – 100% whole grain breads, pasta and cold cereals, long-grain brown rice, wild rice, air-popped popcorn, and oatmeal

Dairy – low fat cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, skim milk-based smoothies, and yogurt

Meat, Fish, Poultry and Alternates – Eggs, hummus, salmon, leans cuts of beef, chicken, pork and turkey

Of course, and probably most importantly, COFFEE! I bet all you fellow coffee lovers out there like me again. Coffee gives us an immediate boost of energy and we can’t deny that. The real problem with coffee occurs when we use it as our primary source of energy. Avoid the crash and burn of your day by introducing these great, high energy foods into your diet. Trust me, you’ll love it.