Sleepy After Lunch? How to Choose Lunch Before an Afternoon Meeting
It may not be a lack of willpower. Five simple adjustments can help you choose a more comfortable lunch without counting numbers.
A very large, rushed lunch made mostly of starch—especially with a sweet drink—can leave an afternoon meeting feeling difficult. These five changes require no calculations.
1. Stop when comfortably full
If a restaurant allows portion changes, request half rice at the start. Paying for a meal does not mean you have to eat beyond your appetite.
2. Include a visible protein
Chicken, fish, tofu or egg can give the meal a clear centre. A bowl made only of starch and sauce may not feel complete.
3. Make vegetables easy to eat
If raw leaves are not your thing, choose warm vegetables such as broccoli, courgette, corn or seasonal vegetables. Steam-roasting develops sweetness and makes a generous portion more inviting.
4. Choose an unsweetened or lightly sweetened drink
Start with less sugar rather than trying to change everything at once. Choose caffeine-free rooibos when late-day caffeine affects your sleep.
5. Slow down and take a short walk
Give yourself enough time to notice when you are full. A brief walk before returning to your desk can also create a useful pause.
