5 Reasons Why You’re Crashing Or Getting Cravings Mid-afternoon
If you reach for caffeine or a sugar-hit in the afternoon for a “pick-me-up” then you need to read this post!!
Here are a few reasons why you may have an energy crash or get intense cravings in the afternoon.
- Your breakfast meal didn’t contain 30 grams of protein or more. Studies have shown starting your day with insufficient protein intake leads to unstable blood sugar levels which causes energy spikes and crashes (fatigue) and more cravings later in the day (these cravings can also show post dinner late in the evening).
- You skip breakfast or fast for too long. I’m a huge fan of circadian rhythm fasting for at least 12 hours overnight, or 14 hours for some (not if you’re or breastfeeding). But for many skipping breakfast then rushing around and having a busy morning leads to unstable blood sugar levels.
- You’re eating to many carbs with breakfast, lunch or even your mid-morning snack without sufficient protein, fibre and fats. Helllooo blood sugar rollercoaster ride.
- You’re not getting quality sleep. Ideally 7-9 hours per night. Poor quality sleep or not getting enough sleep increases our hunger hormone ghrelin and decreases a hormone called leptin which is a hormone that signals our body when it full and satiated.
- You’re undereating. Calorie restriction doesn’t do your body favours in the long run. Too often I see men and women either unconciously undereating, or purposfully undereating from being scared that they are eat “too much” or scared to eat if they have a weight loss goal. Our body needs fuel. Food is energy. Eating a balanced diet that is supportive of blood sugar and contains enough calories for your body and hormones to function at it’s best will help your body to thrive.
Is afternoon cravings or low energy levels something you struggle with? There can be many factors at play, but give a few of the tips above a try and see what changes unfold.
Hi I’m Natalie, a Registered Clinical Nutritionist, health influencer, blog writer & recipe creator. My own health complications prompted me to make positive diet & lifestyle changes, revitalize my health leading to a career change from the corporate world to nutritional medicine. I believe in a wholefoods approach to good health, focusing on simple strategies for modern, busy people.
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The information on this website is not intended to replace the advice of your GP, a one on one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is not intended for self-diagnosis, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon research and in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. The entire content of this website is based on the opinions of Natalie Brady, a qualified Holistic Nutritionist, unless otherwise noted. Click here for term and conditions of services.
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