In this post, I will be answering a question from Jackie. Jackie asks, “I get a big dip in energy levels early afternoon what can I do?”
In truth, there are many potential reasons why you might have an energy dip in the afternoon.
However, the most common reason is eating a lunch time meal that is not right for your metabolic type®. When you eat a meal that has the incorrect ratio of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, you will either burn off energy too quickly or too slowly.
For instance, if you are a Fast Oxidiser, you turn food into nutrients very quickly. Conversely, if you are a slow oxidiser, you turn food into nutrients very slowly. If you like, a Fast Oxidiser uses energy like burning paper and a Slow Oxidiser like burning damp wood.
Each of us is different and we all require a slightly different ratio of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Your requirement can also change from time to time, week to week, day to day or for some, hour to hour.
When working with clients, I get them to complete an online questionnaire that establishes there ‘starting point’. Once you know your starting point, you can then ‘fine-tune’ until you get it spot on.
Most commonly, people tend to over-eat starchy carbohydrates, which causes a rise and then crash in blood sugar levels, causing the energy dip. However, low blood sugar can be caused by any incorrect ratio of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
There are other factors involved, especially getting adequate sleep at night, which includes getting to sleep by 10.30pm and getting at least 8 hours sleep per night.
Following these recommendations should help you have sustained energy during the day and prevent you from head butting your computer screen in the afternoon.
Metabolic Type® and Metabolic Typing® are registered trademarks of Healthexcel Inc.