8. Processed Meat
If your goal is to prevent an afternoon slump in energy, then processed meat isn’t a good choice, as it has a lower nutritional value than other meat or protein. Without consuming the nutrients you need, you won’t feel at your best throughout the rest of the day, so swerve the processed meat and pick another protein source instead.
The high salt and msg content typically found in many processed meats could also be directly contributing to your afternoon dip, as researchers have linked the worsening of fatigue with both of these common ingredients. Sodium overload has been found to increase symptoms of chronic fatigue, while studies show that excess msg is linked to multiple health issues, including extreme tiredness.
As well as processed meat’s slump-causing properties, the high nitrate and nitrite content it contains should give you yet another reason to avoid eating it daily at lunch. Scientists have discovered that these two twin bad guys can lead to the formation of cancer-causing compounds. The regular consumption of processed meat is also linked to many other chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, due to the high salt, saturated fats, and additives it contains.
If you want to maintain energy levels, then instead of processed meats, opt for nutritionally rich protein at lunch, like plant-based foods, chicken, fish, or turkey. That way, you’ll avoid the slump and the associated health nasties that come with consuming processed meat and you’ll stay feeling zippy throughout the entire afternoon!
Also Read: 10 Popular Foods You Should Never Eat After 50
