Afternoon cravings: why they happen and what helps
The 3 pm slump is rarely a matter of willpower. Four adjustments that almost always help.
Not a question of discipline
If you reach for chocolate at 3 pm, it is usually not a lack of willpower but too little food or poor sleep. Your body then looks for quick energy.
1. A lunch that lasts
A meal with protein, vegetables and a filling side lasts longer than a quick sandwich. More on this in my article Protein in everyday life.
2. Drink enough
Thirst sometimes feels like hunger. A large glass of water before reaching for a snack brings clarity.
3. Take sleep seriously
After short nights, the appetite for sweets is often greater. Regular sleep times are therefore a nutrition topic too.
4. Plan the snack instead of banning it
Bans make sweets more interesting. Plan a snack that satisfies you instead: fruit with a handful of nuts, yoghurt or a piece of dark chocolate, enjoyed consciously.
My tip
Observe for one week: when do cravings come and what did you eat before? The pattern usually shows you quickly where to start.
