Snack attack

It's that time of day you can't function in the office anymore unless you have some cake or chocolate. Temptation takes over and the urge to eat anything containing an obscene amount of sugar becomes almost impossible to suppress.

Most days I experience the ‘afternoon slump’ and it’s usually between 3-5pm, a significant drop in my energy levels is apparent. This is the time I crave a sweet snack.

“Sugar cravings, as they are commonly referred to, can be defined as the physiological drive to eat sweet, carbohydrate-containing foods, as well as the psychological programming to seek out sweet foods when you feel tired, bored or unhappy.”

Undeniably our brains and bodies need a boost in the afternoon. However sugary foods are the worst option, because food containing refined sugar will spike your energy levels and you won't feel so energetic after. Don't give in, instead try my healthy suggestions below, trust me your body will thank you for it. 

Organic Cashew Nuts

Nuts are a great way to curb cravings. My favourite are organic cashews, they taste fairly sweet, are high in protein and aren't as high in fat as other nuts. 

Fruit

If you’re going to the gym after work opt for a banana to give you energy. It's also a great brain booster.

Blueberries and natural yogurt are a perfect combination for satisfying your sweet tooth. 

Peanut butter with Rice Cakes 

Peanut butter is high in protein and rice cakes are low in fat and high in fibre. Top with some fruit for a sweet kick.

Protein Shake 

I swear by protein shakes to help tone, feed and recover muscles. A chocolate or strawberry protein shake will curb your sweet craving and help you feel fuller for longer. I use Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Shake Powder because it only has 1 gram of Fat and only 1 gram of Sugar and 3 grams of total Carbohydrates per serving.

How do you get over a snack attack? I would love to know. 

Monday’s Miracle!

 

“I don’t have time” is probably the most common excuse used not to workout. But surprisingly these people find time to sit on the sofa and watch Eastenders of an evening or socialise over a glass of wine. And I’m not suggesting for one minute you shouldn’t be able to do these things, but if you’re consistently doing them and avoiding exercise not only your waistline will suffer, your health will too.

The NHS recommend “at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as cycling or fast walking every week, and muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days that work all major muscle groups.”

If you can’t possibly find the time to commit to this amount of exercise a week, an app called ‘Daily Workouts’ is perfect for busy people who don’t have the time. You can exercise in as little as five minutes, the first level is free and you can workout wherever you go. Try getting out of this one...

The app has six exercise options; Ab, Arm, Butt, Cardio, Leg and Full workout. You have the choice to workout for 5, 7.5 or 10 minutes. Alternatively if you wish to increase the length of your workout, I suggest doing each exercise option for 10 minutes giving you a total body workout.

There are three levels to choose from. Level one consists of basic moves and is perfect for beginners. However if like you’re a gym bunny like myself you will have to purchase level 2 and 3 for tougher exercises. If you’re already hitting the gym after work, this is a fab way to tone target areas and feel an immediate effect.

This app has been part of my daily morning routine. As much as I feel inclined to stay in bed for an extra 10 minutes, I decide against it and instead do 10 minutes of exercise. Thanks to this app I don’t feel like I’m dragging my arse up the tube escalators.

Everyone has a spare 5-10 minutes a day and I guarantee you it will lift your mood on a Monday morning. Start the week positive and download the app today!  

Do you use this app? How do you workout if you don't have time? Let me know below...

You can find out more about this app here: http://dailyworkoutapps.com/dailyworkoutapps/Daily_Workouts.html