Lunch that keeps your energy level up all afternoon

October 7, 9:25 PMSF Diet and Exercise ExaminerDiane Taylor

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The best lunch for maintaining your energy level through the afternoon includes a mixture of complex carbohydrates, good fats and lean protein.

Complex Carbs: These are the carbs in vegetables and whole grain foods. Stay away from the carbs found in sugars and refined breads.

Complex carbs break down more slowly and by getting into your bloodstream more slowly, help sustain your energy level without the spikes in blood sugar. 

Good fats: Avocado, nuts, olive oil, olives, are all smart choices here. Don't overdo it on fats - a little bit goes a long way.

Good fats help you feel full longer and help maintain blood sugar levels.

Lean proteins: chicken, turkey, lean meats, fish, dairy, legumes, tofu, edamame. 

Lean proteins provide nutrients and also help maintain steady blood sugar levels.

If you're familiar with the Zone Diet developed by Dr. Barry Sears, this will look familiar as it's based on the same principles.