What do you eat for lunch to boost your energy?

[Anonymous]

I used to be a heavy carb eater at lunch because that's what I craved. Everyday after lunch, I crash...hard. Like struggle making it to the evening because I'm so groggy, tired, just useless. About three weeks ago I decided to change my lunchtime eating habits to see if that would help, and I think it has. I've been eating a salad with protein. Today I caved and had s slice of pizza. This afternoon I've been a zombie. Problem is, I'm quickly tiring of my salad routine day in and day out. Please share your lunch menus that won't sap my energy. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I find watery vegetables work for me... Cucumbers and steamed beats (which are sweet) are particular favorites. Make sure you have protein too, like chicken, beans, egg, whatever because that will fill you up so you're not starving in an hour or two.

[Anonymous]

Have you ever had a protein no from Starbucks? Might be some good ideas you can swipe in there. I like to do a lot of finger good like cut veg and fruit, olives, pickles on occasion, cut cheese or chicken, or good quality ham slices and things like that.

[Anonymous]

Protein makes all the difference in whether or not I have energy.

[Anonymous]

I'll do stir fry with minimal rice, often a leftover from dinner. Any combination of protein and veggies works well, so it could be leftover chicken/fish/whatever and veggies, etc. Sometimes I'll do a baked egg dish and freeze into portions I can then reheat. I always add veggies to that (spinach and mushroom, butternut squash), which I think helps.

[Anonymous]

Hummus and veggie wraps

[Anonymous]

Lentils with veggies. Salad but with chick peas and hardboiled eggs. Tuna salad on lettuce. As others said, protein!

[Anonymous]

I divide a bag of frozen soybeans into little snack packs with a touch of salt and pepper for a midday snack, either before or after lunch. It's about 12g of protein and a good energy burst.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Protein makes all the difference in whether or not I have energy.

That's strange, because the protein eaten at lunch time wouldn't be broken down into its essential components/amino acids until much much later than "after lunch." As in, that night.

If you feel energetic after lunch, it's not because of the chicken breast you just ate.

[Anonymous]

Protein and healthy fat works best for me and then snacking on vegetables.

[Anonymous]

You probably want to focus on breakfast, then have a lunch to maintain your energy.

Breakfast -
2 scrambled eggs, fruit, a piece of wheat toast or an english muffin or something, whole milk in your coffee or a small yogurt if you don't drink coffee

Lunch -
big salad with protein
stir fry or bowl with lots of veggies and minimal carbs
sandwich and fruit

[Anonymous]

Coffee coffee coffee!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Protein makes all the difference in whether or not I have energy.

That's strange, because the protein eaten at lunch time wouldn't be broken down into its essential components/amino acids until much much later than "after lunch." As in, that night.

If you feel energetic after lunch, it's not because of the chicken breast you just ate.

I think PP means that protein makes him more energetic than eating sugar or heavy carbs which make you crash very soon.

[Anonymous]

caffeine pill with lunch

[Anonymous]

I try to eat the same, PP. When I am tired of a salad with protein, I will go to a buffet-type place (like the Whole Foods bar) and get some protein & vegetables. Maybe it is turkey chili, or a roasted chicken breast with steamed vegetables on the side. Also sashimi, miso soup, and seaweed salad...