A mid-morning crash is often less noticeable than her well-known cousin, the afternoon slump. However, an energy lull at this time can set you up for an afternoon plummet.
When you start your morning with coffee and/or a high-sugar, low-fiber breakfast (like cereal, pastries or bagels), you typically find yourself reaching for another cup of coffee around 10am or 11am to help counteract the brain fog, poor mood and low energy you are experiencing.
Here is what is happening: you were all hopped up on caffeine and refined carbs and now your blood sugars are wonky since you did not eat something that would help stabilize glucose levels. When you regularly consume excess refined carbs, your body is unable to regulate glucose efficiently. In response to insulin, your blood sugar bottoms out and you find yourself facing the downward spiral of the energy roller coaster.
When you’re in the downward cycle, this is not the time to grab another cup of coffee or another bagel. That’s a game you dont want to double down on! If it didn’t work for you before, it will not work the next round. This is when being mindful of how food affects us comes into play.
Solution: Reach for something that will stabilize your energy levels. Think fiber and protein. A protein packed smoothie, a handful of nuts or a spoonful of nut butter, hummus and veggies, fruit and nuts/seeds, or homemade energy balls are all great options. Below is my go-to “energy ball” recipe. I store them in the freezer so I can grab one whenever I feel an energy-lull. They are also great for a pre-workout snack if you find yourself hungry but don’t want to feel “full” before you exercise!
Cookie Dough Ballzzz
- 2 cup nuts (I generally use 1c walnuts , 1 c cashews)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 6-8 pitted dates
- 2 TBSP cashew butter
- 2 TBSP maple syrup
- 1-2 TBSP coconut oil (melted, if needed for consistency)
- dash cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- pinch sea salt
- 1/4 cup or more mini chocolate chips
- 1 scoop Rice Bran Soluble/Tocos (optional, but an amazing source of antioxidants and rich in vitamin E)
- roll into balls and store in freezer.
- Eat. Enjoy 🙂