afternoon zzzzzzzz

[bmccasland]

It seems lately I'm having a terrible time staying awake after lunch while at the office. And sometimes continue to be sleepy in the late afternoon when I get home.

I generally get 8 hrs of sleep at night. Drink 2 mugs of coffee in the morning. Ride my bike 2-3 x per week (1 hr each ride or so) Walk dog at a brisk pace most afternoons.

So my question is - is there something I SHOULD be eating at lunch so that all the blood in my body doesn't rush to my stomach to digest lunch? I generally don't have a big lunch on a daily basis either (leftovers from home, or lunch-in-a-box (Annie's, LeanCuisine, etc) + a piece of fruit, water).

OR are there foods I should try to avoid at lunch?

Fact of life is that I spend most work days at a desk. So I have to figure something out. Now that it isn't gawd-awful hot mid day, I could go for a walk to get the blood circulating again I suppose. Think that would hlep?

Really don't want to increase my coffee intake. I try to drink lots of water instead.

[pinkychique]

I found that eating carb-heavy lunches (such as refined bread/refined pasta) makes me sleepy. Whole wheat meals help a little, and lots of veggies. Protein is supposed to wake you up too. Maybe you could try eating more fresh veggies at lunch.

[LBTC]

Is it possible for you to get out for a short walk and some fresh air after you've eaten lunch? I find this does a lot for my digestion, my alertness, and my attitude in general. If it's a miserable day outside, could you wander around your building?

I'd hate to see you resorting to energy drinks, coffee, or stimulants, even the herbal kind, if you can avoid it.

Do you make sure you get some protein with each meal? You might even need it with each snack?

Good luck! It sucks to be sleepy when we can't afford to be!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[alpinerabbit]

yep, cut the carbs (not out, but down, if you still want some), and save one mug of coffee for after lunch. Actually make it an espresso if you can get it.

[solobiker]

I have found that if I eat a high carb lunch that I am pretty tired afterwards and it is hard to push through the rest of the day. What I have found that works for me is some lean protien such as chicken with some fresh veggies and a piece of fruit.

[Grog]

I love a 10-minute nap on my office's floor when I come back from lunch. With no pillow no blanket no nothing (well, the floor is carpet) I just can't stay there for longer than 10 minutes, but then I'm really refreshed. (I do have a timer.)

No matter what I eat, I'll be sleepy, although less so if I get less carbs at lunch...