We all have our sugar cravings and for most of us it’s always around a certain time in the afternoon when we need some energy boosting magic. Why do we feel less energetic and sometimes sleepy between 2 – 5 pm? Often, it’s because we didn’t get enough sleep the night before, which can make an even bigger impact to our energy levels in the afternoon. However even if we did manage to get enough good night’s sleep, that drowsy afternoon feeling still gets us the next day.

I was curious if there is a scientific reason for this and it looks like there is. According to The Health Site, the sleepy afternoon feeling is because of our “circadian rhythm“. In simple words, the circadian rhythm is our natural body rhythm, which dictates our food cycle, energy levels and other routines like the times of the day we visit the bathroom. This is why we all like to have breakfast at a different time of the day and why we also experience the loss of energy in the afternoons.

So what do we do when that happens? Well if you are near a bed, you can enjoy a sweet afternoon nap, but most of us happen to be at work so we need a more practical solution. Imagine you have to go into an afternoon meeting and you have to listen to something important, but you just struggle to keep your eyes open. I know that feeling, I have been there so many times!

Well besides coffee and tea, you can also boost your energy levels with certain wholesome foods that will not only help you concentrate, but will also provide you with a ton of nutrients. I found a list of 15 amazing energy boosting snacks on GoToMeeting‘s blog that I wanted to share with you as well. The people behind the leading video conferencing software have put together the ultimate list of energy boosting snacks that will help you boost your productivity levels! Virtual meetings nowadays are as real as sitting with someone in the same room, so you don’t want your colleagues on the other side of the video call to see you nod off!

15 energy boosting afternoon snacks

I have selected my favourite 5 snacks from the GoToMeeting infographic:

1. Cacao

You can add it to different homemade treats and snacks like my protein energy balls.

2. Chia seeds

Chia seeds are great in smoothies or you can also make easy chia puddings.

3. Hummus

Besides crackers, another great way to have hummus is with carrots and/or cucumbers. Try to buy hummus with extra virgin olive oil if possible or simply make one yourself.

4. Fruit & Peanut butter or nuts

One of my personal favorites! I love having apples or dates with peanut butter on top. I posted a picture of my snack on instagram recently.

5. Goji berries

Goji berries are incredibly nutritious, full of protein and very sweet as well.

I hope you found this list useful! You can see the complete list with all 15 energy boosting snacks on the GoToMeeting’s site.