Common Question: I get hungry every afternoon. What’s a good snack to hold me over until dinner?

Not only do a lot of people get hungry in the middle of the afternoon, but they also get tired after lunch. That fatigue can make you want carbs for a quick energy boost, but studies show something else is a better choice … protein!

A little background science: a study done at the University of Cambridge found that protein (not sugar) activates cells responsible for keeping us awake and burning calories. In fact, eating sugar can make you feel more tired. A protein-rich snack can help you feel more energized and, because protein is the most satiating nutrient, keep you feeling full till dinner. 

Some ideas: spiced roasted chickpeas or edamame; hard-boiled eggs; turkey roll-ups (nitrate-free sliced turkey rolled up around carrot or celery sticks); and veggies with either hummus or Greek yogurt dip (stir some dip mix into the yogurt). These snacks will help fill you up, keep you awake, and power you through till it’s time for your next meal.