Break the Afternoon Slump Cycle

Mar 3

Afternoon Slumps = Not Normal

I review MANY food journals which means I see all sorts of intimate details about your day to day. One thing that seems to be a common theme amongst almost everyone is an afternoon dip in energy. It doesn't matter if you're 35 or 65, working or retired. That wall hits like a Mack truck!

Fighting the yawns or sleepy feeling every day around 2-3pm and reaching for a coffee, a premade bar of some kind, or an energy drink has been normalized as a way to keep going.

We shouldn't be relying on energy crutches....

...or be running on stress hormones.

Let's visualize a typical day together:

I don't want you to look at this and say, "this is totally me" but after 2.5 years in practice, I know you are probably nodding your head or you can think of at least 5 people who live this way without trying.

Note: Fresh pressed juice (not 100% green juice) is a high-carb beverage without protein, fat, or fiber. The natural sugars therein have nothing to slow down absorption and thus glucose spikes just like it were a soda or a bagel. A smoothie or smoothie bowl with a base of high glycemic fruit and/or oat milk is another example of a carb-forward food. Yes, even if you pay the extra few bucks for a scoop of protein powder, nut butter, and chia. It's like mainlining sugar.

By the way, I'm not saying not to drink fresh juices or smoothies but you may need to time it differently, alter the ingredients, or drastically reduce the amount.

Do you understand what your body needs to produce cellular energy? The energy that sustains you overnight for restful, restorative sleep? The energy that stays with you all day long? Energy to crush your workout or your presentation?

When we choose foods we must consider the impact they will have on our glucose, or rather our insulin. Both high blood sugar and low blood sugar is considered an emergency which is ultimately very stressful to the body.

So, instead of starting your day with something that is sweet or carb-forward, try a savory and protein-forward breakfast instead.

Eating this way within an hour of waking will set your blood sugar regulation for the rest of the day. That means you'll be satiated longer, have fewer cravings, and sleep better that night. I promise!

Roles of protein:

Stabilizes blood sugar and stifles sugar cravings
Supports ALL DAY energy
Supports the health of your gut lining
Bone health (formation, strength, preservation)
Backbone of enzyme production (the spark plugs of the body)
Necessary ingredient for antibodies to fight infection
Creates hemoglobin to carry oxygen around your body (necessary for production of energy!)
Production of neurotransmitters (ability to think, reflect, stay calm or get excited, feel happy or sad)
Ensures we have hormones of digestion and other critical hormones (like thyroid hormone!)
Triggers the release of gastrin in the stomach which triggers the production of HCL
Enables wound healing
Re-building tissues - connective tissue, muscle, hair, etc.

I recommend aiming for roughly 1g of protein per pound of ideal body weight spread out over your meals and snacks if you need those right now. Protein needs vary based on age (we need more as we get older), physiological needs, goals, satiety levels, activity, and digestion status.

For those not accustomed to thinking this way, shopping this way, or eating this way then what I just shared probably feels like a lot! Acknowledge that and let it fire you up until its second nature. Ask for help if you need it!

Remember how you felt when you were learning how to drive? You got over that big scary hurdle and now it's just something that you do, like brushing your teeth. The reward was greater than the temporary discomfort.

My role is to help you confront habits and choices that keep you feeling less than incredible. Often, this means doing the opposite of what you've been doing. Temporary discomfort for greater reward!

Animal Based Sources are the Most Bio-Available

Wild caught seafood, like smoked salmon
Meats and organs from organic, grass-fed/grass-finished or pastured ruminant animals: beef, pork, lamb, bison, buffalo, elk, goat, etc.
Organic, 100% pasture raised poultry and eggs: chicken, turkey, duck, etc.
Wild game: think venison, turkey, elk, moose, duck, rabbit, etc.
Tinned (canned) wild caught low mercury seafood like whole sardines, anchovies, herring, mackerel, oysters, mussels, and salmon
Organic, non-GMO soybeans
Cultured organic cottage cheese

Note: Increasing protein intake requires adequate and potent stomach acid. We aren't what we eat, but what we absorb! This is the digestion status piece of it.

If you aren't being given the education or answers that you'd like by your provider, please don't wait to come see me.

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

This is a new feature, a place where I would like to anonymously acknowledge the hard work of my incredible clients!

"Okay, I feel like I am all up in your business lately but I just have to tell you about the wins that feel like they’re coming up overnight! I already told you about the pandemonium I experienced while in my full moon cleanse. My body. I feel like a deflated balloon in the best way. My watch and shoes legitimately fit looser and I haven’t lost weight. I showered and didn’t lose fistfuls of hair like I have been for the last 3 years. I’m waking up before my alarm goes off?! And I am eating and feeling fullness cues and leaving food on my plate because I actually feel satiated. I cannot even believe the residual positive impact this is having on me. I promise I won’t keep writing to you every day, I just had to share the experience with someone who “gets it.” So, thank you "

Wow! Amazing feedback from a woman who decided she was ready for and interested in pursuing a Full Moon Challenge parasite cleanse. It was her second round, meaning she did one during a previous full moon timed AFTER doing some mineral work together.

She's right, I do get it! Parasite cleansing was a huge piece of the puzzle for me and I was both appalled and fascinated at what came out.

Humans have evolved alongside of parasites since the beginning of time. Not all parasites need to be evicted (probably to your dismay) however many of us have inadequate stomach acid protection which inhibits our defenses, down-regulates our immune system, and allows them to proliferate. We make very good hosts. Parasites steal nutrients, house toxins and heavy metals, drive cravings, disrupt sleep, impact our mental/emotional state, and more.

If you're curious what a Full Moon Challenge looks like, you can download my free guide on my website!

Clients who booked a single service with me don't have to report their updates to me but many choose to and I check in from time to time too because I truly care!

My six month program is a high-level, education-forward, 1:1 container of support and accountability. It's designed to ensure success with 3 up-front labs, custom protocols, 9 check-ins, pre-recorded self-paced webinars, helpful resources, and access to me via chat in between it all. I'm very excited!