[Scorpio1986]

Hi chicks!

So lately I've been feeling exhausted by 5pm! And I would prefer not to drink an extra cup of coffee or take a nap.

Maybe there are some foods I should be eating for more energy?
I'm relatively healthy, 23, and workout three to four times a week for at least an hour.

I feel like it could be the cold weather making me want to hibernate, but I would love to not feel tired until it's time for bed!

[Eliana]

It could be any number of things.

Taking a vitamin sometimes perks me up when I am dieting.

Sometimes dieting makes us constipated, so be aware of that. Fatigue goes along with constipation.

Are you getting enough sleep? Going to bed at the same time every night? Waking up at the same time?

I have found a tremendous boost in my energy and am no longer tired since I've started eating 95% clean. (I'm still human. ) I've cut out the vast majority of processed crap and I can't believe how quickly my body thanked me for it.

[Scorpio1986]

Yes, I always go to sleep around the same time, and wake up at the same time (job starts at 9am). I just started trying falling asleep later, because i think maybe I was sleeping too much.

I am not constipated at all.

I do have multi vitamins and selenium (which I heard is good for you), but I haven't taken them since I started the pill (yaz) because I was afraid they might interfere.

Maybe the multi vitamins will help! Yesterday I had an extra cup of coffee and a nap, and I felt great. But I'd rather not have to do either of those.

[Eliana]

I find green tea works great too. It's probably the caffeine.

[Scorpio1986]

Ahhh green tea. I just bought some organic green tea that I should drink more often. Thanks for reminding me. I live with my big family (somewhat recent college grad, no money ) and my healthy stuff gets lost with all the other stuff sometimes. Considering claiming a pantry shelf as my own personal real estate.

Once I quit drinking coffee I no longer had that crashing feeling. I get a good nights sleep since quitting coffee also and I have more energy. I haven't drank coffee since Sunday and Im glad I quit, I have more energy and I don't feel exhausted like I used to after the coffee wears off

[Lori Bell]

Some thoughts that might be causing your afternoon crash.

Are you getting enough calories per day?
Are you eating more carbs than usual for lunch/afternoon snack?
Are you coming down with a cold/flu?
Are you pregnant? (You said you just started taking Yaz, but still...could happen, especially the first month if another form of contraception is not used)

[Scorpio1986]

Yes, I'm working on not getting too many calories. Oops...
Could be, I ate a good serving of brown rice stirfry (with veggies/pineapple...my grocery store didnt have tofu )
I'm not sick.
No, I just had my women's time. And I've been on Yaz for 3 months now.

I don't know what it is! I feel fine all morning and afternoon.

[AutumnSky]

I think it is common for a lot of people to experience a late afternoon slump. I've heard that in such cases its good to have some protein for a snack..turkey slices or maybe a veggie burger or some beans if you're vegetarian...or a handful of almonds is good for boosting energy. I also find it helpful to do some gentle stretching or go for a walk. Hope that helps

[JulieJ08]

I wish I knew. I've never found anything to keep me from getting sleepy after lunch.

[Scorpio1986]

Well I'm glad I'm not the only one!

I'm not a veggie, but have been trying to cut back on the meat, and add tofu/beans/etc instead.

I've been thinking about buying some almonds for a snack! They have a brand that measures servings on the side so I won't go crazy.