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Oh fall, how I love thee. Things are getting back on track now that the fall routine is in full swing. School is in session, finally and this work from home mom can now tackle more new projects in a quiet house. No more loud disruptions throughout the day. No more interruptions. I can focus on my work and actually get things done.
I’ve been taking on additional work assignments especially now that the super busy 4th quarter is here, so my day, while quiet has been quite a scramble. Lots to do! As I lay in bed in the morning, my mind starts racing about everything I have to accomplish, from getting the family up and ready, to making lunches to shuffling everyone out the door on time. Then it’s back home to start the work to-do list, which can be long.
Some days, I can get so focused on what I’m trying to accomplish that I barely break for lunch, which I know is not good. So when that afternoon slump hits I know it’s time to make a change. And there are 3 ways I’ve been doing just that recently.
#1 Eat Protein-filled Snacks
September was Organic Month so I’ve been trying to focus more on picking up snacks and refreshments that are organic and Fair Trade. We shop regularly at Fred Meyer here in the Seattle area and they have an awesome organic and gluten-free section where I am always shopping. Recently I picked up some protein-filled snacks made by Simple Truth®. They have delicious flavors of beef jerky and nuts (and dried fruit too) that are some of my favorite afternoon pick-me-ups.
Last week I also made some protein-packed Mango Cashew Cornbread Muffins inspired by my much beloved Mango Cashew Cornbread Stuffing recipe. I can’t believe I had never thought to do this before. Everyone always asks for my stuffing recipe at Thanksgiving so it’s become an annual tradition each holiday season. But oh my, we can have these muffins any time of year and of course, they are the perfect protein filled snack to beat that afternoon slump! So very yum. See the recipe below.
#2 Drink a little life-giving caffeine
I drink coffee in the morning but every afternoon, I’m typically looking for something a little different and with a little less caffeine. Honest Tea® is real brewed with real ingredients, so it’s the perfect choice at home or on-the-go when I feel that little slump hit. I can even throw one or two in my bag if I’m driving the fam around to after-school activities. Most flavors like Honest Tea Organic Peach Tea are just a tad sweet and they even have delicious unsweetened flavors like Honest Tea Organic Unsweet Peach Ginger tea. I also really love their Organic Honey Green Tea.
Both Honest Tea and Simple Truth products can be purchased in the organic section at Kroger and Kroger family banner stores like Fred Meyer and QFC.
#3 Get Moving
Another thing I do when that afternoon slump hits is try to get moving. This is the perfect time to take a quick break and go for a walk like I do almost every afternoon with my friend Julie for school pickup. I’m not afraid to admit, I am not a fan of exercise but a nice brisk walk definitely does me wonders.
I really despise that afternoon slump but with these three changes to my routine, things have been looking up.
And now for my yummy protein-packed recipe. These savory muffins pair perfectly with Honest Tea.
Mango Cashew Cornbread Muffins
Ingredients
2 cups gluten-free (or regular) cornbread mix
1 cup almond milk
1/3 cup canola oil
1 egg
1/2 cup chopped Simple Truth organic cashews
1/2 cup chopped Simple Truth organic dried mangoes
Instructions
- Chop cashews and dried mangoes into small pieces.
- In a saucepan on low to medium heat, saute cashews and mangoes in a little oil until cooked through, approximately 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together cornbread mix, milk, oil, and egg, then add in sauteed mangoes and cashews. Gently mix together until blended.
- Spray muffin pan with cooking spray. Spoon batter into muffin cups 1/2 to 2/3 full.
- Bake at 375 degrees (or 350 degrees in a convection oven) until golden brown, approximately 18-20 minutes.
- Enjoy!
What do you do to break that afternoon slump? I’d love to hear your tips. And for even more recipes and inspiration check out the ideas here!
