Beat That Mid-Day Slump With Tips From Dr. Jonny Bowden

STUDIO CITY (KCAL9) — Dr. Jonny Bowden known as The Nutrition Myth Buster stopped by KCAL9 Friday to give some tips on how to beat mid-day slumps and adjust after the time change.

Whether it hits you at 9 a.m. or 3 p.m. — that daily energy crash makes it extremely difficult to focus on work, school or kids. There are easy nutritional ways to increase your focus and concentration, and you don't need a Red Bull to do it.

• When packing snacks, reach for activating protein like tuna. And here's another healthy trick- instead on slapping mayo in the tuna, spread avocado instead.
• Coffee is not bad for you, but you do need to watch the time of day you drink it because it can disrupt your sleep. Also, adding all the cream and sugar is not helping your waistline.
• Many people are turning to whole green coffee powder. Unlike a normal cup of coffee, which may only give you an energy kick for up to 40 minutes, it releases caffeine gradually so that you can enjoy hours of energy without the crash. Studies also show it improves focus.
• Eat more eggs. Egg yolks are yellow because they contain a nutrient called lutein, which has been linked to cognitive function. People with higher levels of lutein have been shown to be able to process information more quickly. Bake the night before in muffin tins, and bring with you the next day.
• Chew spicy gum. A study found that people who chewed gum during a stressful task were more alert afterwards than when they did the task without gum.
• Pack peppermint oil extract. A natural energy enhancing scent—put a drop on your hands, then rub around your facing avoiding the eyes.
• Avoid high-glycemic foods like white bread in the meal prior to when you usually need an energy boost.