Do you ever think about how more of us ought to make siestas a thing? Imagine being able to set aside your work, guilt-free, for at least 15 minutes to indulge in a quick nap after lunch, and for it to be considered completely acceptable. Surely the idea must have come to you at least once, especially whenever that dreaded post-lunch food coma sets in. The name ‘siesta’ comes from Spain, where many shops close up after lunch for their employees to nap. But even the Spanish have started to abandon this beautiful tradition. Alas, it is a truth universally acknowledged that time is money and siestas do eat up more of those than we can afford to lose. But then what should you even do about your food coma? What are some realistic ways of reacting to the urge to nap and keeping your productivity level up?
Switch White Rice For Brown Rice
Sugar crashes can be a real productivity killer. In this regard, as the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure. Avoid falling into the chasm that is post-lunch coma by having brown rice instead of white rice during your lunch break. Unlike white rice, brown rice is considered a whole grain that digests much more slowly and is much richer in iron, fibre, as well as manganese. Slow-digesting carbohydrates are less likely to lead to post-lunch coma since they release sugar into your bloodstream far more gradually. Its high iron content also serves to ward off the low iron deficiency, which can cause fatigue and reduce your ability to concentrate on your work.
Complement Your Meal With Fruits
Bring along a cup of fresh fruits to your office after lunch. Apples, for examples, are wonderful natural energy boosters that are higher in fibre than a great many other fruits, stabilising blood sugar levels by prolonging digestion. Its high fibre content also fills your stomach much more quickly, and are thus particularly perfect for anyone on a weight-loss diet. Papayas are yet another great option. These fruits are also low in calories, even more so than fruits such as mango or pineapple, and contain plenty of vitamin B, critical in metabolising energy. Keep your choices interesting by mixing a few different fruits into one serving, if you like.
You may also choose to complement these fruits with Greek yoghurt. Although Greek yoghurt contains protein, one of the prime suspects of food coma, fruits added to your cup of Greek yoghurt may still be able to help maintain your energy levels. Protein also keeps you satiated for much longer, so you may be less likely to snack excessively later on in the day. This prevents your body from converting some of this energy into fat for storage. In addition, Greek yoghurt can help maintain optimal thyroid function by providing your body with sufficient iodine. This ensures that your thyroid functions at its best and keeps your natural bodily metabolism at a higher rate, thus preventing fluctuations in body weight.
Oatmeal — Not Just For Breakfast
Although oatmeal may be more commonly eaten for breakfast, you could easily have some for lunch if you so desire, too. There’s a reason for why oatmeal is growing in popularity among fitness circles. Similar to brown rice, these whole grains are an ideal source of slow-digesting carbohydrates, providing you with energy for much longer. You may also be less likely to feel tempted to snack excessively throughout the rest of the day just to stay awake. Better yet, oats are particularly rich in vitamin B, which plays a major part in helping your body effectively harness energy from carbohydrates.
Brew A Warm Cup Of Tea For Yourself
If you still find yourself fending off a post-lunch food coma, stand up from your desk and brew yourself a warm cup of tea. Chamomile and peppermint tea, in particular, are able to quickly lower sodium levels that are yet another chief culprit behind food coma. When neither of these options tickles your fancy, try drinking more water instead. Water can also help regulate your sodium levels almost as efficiently as these teas and is also necessary to prevent dehydration. A common symptom of dehydration is fatigue, which may worsen the awful feeling that comes with a food coma. Try to place a bottle or glass of water right next to you to remind yourself to re-hydrate as often as possible, especially if you work in an air-conditioned office.
Go For A Brief Brisk Walk Outdoors
When all else fails, run away from all your problems — just kidding. In all seriousness, try excusing yourself and take a quick walk outdoors. Aerobic exercise can trigger an increase of endorphins in your bloodstream, making you feel good naturally. Furthermore, exposing your retinas to sunlight may lead to an increase in serotonin levels, yet another hormone that can help boost your mood, and in turn, take you out of that food coma slump.