Healthy Chicks

[source]

This afternoon, I got a message from a friend.

“Dear Healthy Chick,I need some suggestions for caffeine boosts to get me through my day. As you know, coffee is a NO but I find myself in a groggy mid-afternoon slump and need SOMETHING to keep me chugging through the day. I’ve been trying to force myself to drink diet soda but I’m not a big fan and would prefer something else. Is there anything you know that will help me? Thank you, -Trouble Staying Awake”

I think many of us can relate to this scenario, especially as young working business women. So here are my top 8 suggestions for you when it comes to staying awake, the au natural way.

1. Try taking B vitamins, which are great for energy especially in women. According to this article in Psychology Today, B vitamins can fight fatigue, irritability and lack of concentration. Might just be the key to afternoon slumps, after all!

2. Eat healthy protein/carb combo mini snacks throughout the day. I recommend keeping a variety of go-to snacks at your desk like raw almonds, apples, string cheese, and peanut butter for tasty pairings.

3. If you’re a coffee drinker, by all means have a cup or two of black java in the a.m. to get your day started with a jolt. If you can’t stand the taste of coffee, sip on green tea. Stay away from sugary energy drinks, diet sodas, and other crap that can cause more harm than good.

4. Protein bars are a great go-to for instant energy. My favorites are Lemon Luna Bars and Cherry Pie Lara Bars. Mmm Mmm Good.

5. Water. Water. Water. I know you hear it all the time, but water works wonders for keeping your body in check, and energy levels where they should be. Sip away, ladies!

6. Eat a big breakfast. My favorite: Egg whites scrambled with spinach, tomatoes, broccoli and cheddar cheese with a side of Ezekiel toast or oatmeal.

7. Get an afternoon workout in. Even if you can’t leave for a full hour-long sweat session, even a walk around the block or down the road for lunch can work wonders to get your circulation going and your energy level back up!

8. Practice yoga in the morning or even at night after work. A few sun salutations can really get the blood flowing, and end up turning your whole day around. A plus? Yoga is a great stress-reliever too.

What are your top energy-fix tricks? I’d love to hear!