The Secret to Prevent Midday Fatigue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pamela Peeke, MD, is a Pew Foundation scholar in nutrition and metabolism at the University of Maryland and author of Fight Fat After Forty. Peeke introduces a plan proven to prevent the midday slump (from 1,400 to 1,600 calories). She gives an example plan for the average 5-foot-4, 140-pound woman to keep her spirits and energy high throughout the day. Start by eating “smaller meals and bigger snacks, avoid sugar sprees, and mix high-fiber or multigrain carbs with lean protein (especially soy, which is not only loaded with calcium but also helps ease symptoms of menopause) and only a little fat (preferably olive oil)—too much drags you down.”

Breakfast: Unsweetened oatmeal (cooked with water or skim or soy milk) with cinnamon, raisins, blueberries, or a dollop of jam. Or a smoothie: soy powder with water or skim milk, and fruit.

Snack: Small whole wheat pita with two to three slices of low-fat or soy cheese melted in the microwave. Or a container of fat-free yogurt.

Lunch: Grilled fish or chicken on a bed of greens with a little dressing. (Use the real stuff—the fat-free spin-offs don’t satisfy.) Or a vegetarian wrap.

Snack: A cup of soup or half a sandwich (tuna fish with a dash of vinaigrette, or turkey with mustard—hold the mayo) and a piece of fruit.

Dinner: Three to four ounces of chicken, fish, or beef, or a veggie burger. Salad or cooked vegetables. Twice a week, add one cup of brown rice or whole wheat pasta.

Snack: Fruit and fat-free yogurt or unbuttered popcorn.

Article by O, The Oprah Magazine