How do I get more energy during the hours of noon to 6PM without relying on caffeine or sugar at all?

Question

My daily routine usually runs between 7AM to midnight, in terms of being awake and trying to do things.

Between waking up at 7AM and noon, I'm in good shape, fully awake and having energy. However, I really start to nod off around 1PM or 2PM and become somewhat lethargic and unable to focus like I want to.

I try using coffee, esp. espresso coffee, and I can't seem to get any benefits from it. I don't drink soda anymore because of the horrible affects it has to your teeth and overall weight problems. So I want to cancel out coffee and don't want anything to do with soda or "energy drinks" (which are nothing more then glorified Mountain Dews)

Oddly enough, around 6PM or 7PM, I seem to get some energy and focus again, and have no problems at all between then and going to bed.

So, what can I do to improve my noon to 6PM doldrums?

Naps/siestas are unreliable and can't always be used in certain situations.

No drugs allowed, be they legal or not.

Is exercise the only option? Certain healthy foods?

Answer 1

put your head in ice water easiest way ever

Answer 2

Niacin tablets

Answer 3

Other carbohydrates , bread , granola , even gatorade ( I know , it's kinda like pop)

I used to rely on peanuts to give me a boost , but I have no science to back this up , just that it helped me.

Answer 4

Take  a look a what you are eating for lunch.  That may be what is causing your low energy.  A heavy lunch will make you tired.  

Exercise is good for you anyway so take a walk during your lunch break.

Also, consider getting more sleep at night.  Most adults need at least 8 hour and you are not getting that.

Answer 5

those little 5 hours energy drinks(more like a sip) have no sugar or caffiene.  they are packed with the right combo of vitamins to give you some extra pep.  you can find them at the drug store.  

Answer 6

Eat all natural whole foods with some good carbs :)

Answer 7

Well there are many ways you can gain energy.

First, make sure you are sleeping enough. That's energy 101. No sleep= no energy. An average adult needs somewhere between 6-8 hours of sleep a night. Any more and you'll be tired, too little and you'll also be tired. You can also try taking a small power nap during the day too. A power nap is 15-20 mins long no more.

Second, make sure you are eating well enough. You should be eating a balanced healthy diet. No twinkies or ding dongs. They don't give you energy. Good healthy foods with the proper mix of carbs, protein and good fats. Fish is a great energy providing food and also if you get tired at work you can snack on nuts. Nuts are great energy foods and they have good fatty acids in them as well, much better than munching on a donut. Also drink plenty of water!

Third, you should be taking a multi vitamin. Make sure your multi vitamin has a good B complex mixed into it. If it doesn't, you need to add that to your diet. Coq10 is also a great vitamin for energy levels.

And yes Exercise is a good idea when trying to increase your energy levels. Exercise will definitely keep up your energy levels. I will warn you as you're getting into shape, you'll feel a little sluggish, but after a week or so you'll have increased energy levels and actually look forward to going to the gym. Cardio and yoga are great energy boosting activities. Also make sure you are taking in a good amount of protein on the days that you go to the gym. You'll need it.

Now if you've done all of this and still need more energy, try taking energy supplements. Like maybe drink a little bit of coffee at work or try out a healthy energy drink. Not the ones that you find in the stores, or at least most of them. Those will just make you crash later on in the day because they are too high in caffeine and sugar. I use one that is low in sugar and caffeine and relies on vitamins and antioxidants to give boosts in energy. Its nice because I don't crash later on in the day and of course it is way healthier for me. The one I used I found in a free trial, although I don't know how long it lasts. I'll link the site at the bottom, it also has some more info on increasing your energy levels if there was something I didn't cover for you.

Wow that was long.

Hope I've helped you a bit. All of these things have worked great for me.

Answer 8

If you exercise regularly, your energy levels will be higher. Also try eating five small meals a day. Eating healthy, frequent meals will boost your metabolism and your energy levels.

Make sure that your meals are full of protein and fresh fruits and veggies.

Try to cut back on junk food...or any type of food that leaves you feeling "sluggish"

Another thing to try is taking a vitamin B12 or B6 supplement. Those will help a lot.

Also, get up from your desk and walk around a little bit. Sometimes a change of scenery will refresh and renew you.

Another thing to make sure you do....get enough water and sleep! Those two things go a long way to make ensure you will have more energy.

Answer 9

if you are eating a lunch it may be too heavy or carbohydrate rich this causes a slump in most people if youre not eating this may be the problem.

tiredness can be caused by many things

lack of iron

lack of b vitamins

lack of ect ect you know the story a multy vitamin may help

or it could be a lack of good quality sleep

herbs may help

avena sativa (oats) for stress day and night

valerian

tryptophan (turkey pumpkin seeds)

and there are others

one of the best pick me up foods as far as im conserned is apples as they give there sugar quickly and help with the digestion of other foods

Answer 10

B-vitamins