Craving Snacks at 3 PM? Here’s What Your Body’s Telling You!
Cravings Can Mean Something
Have you ever hit that mid-afternoon slump where your brain’s searching for a snack, usually something sweet or savoury?
Yep, I get that too. Because I’m a savoury person my first call to snack action is a packet of chips! Although it doesn’t happen to me all that frequently anymore and yes there is a real nutrition explanation behind it too.
Your brain will always search for a snack when you have not eaten enough, are bored or you’ve been doing a repetitive task like staring at your work computer screen or T.V. and you are not particularly interested in that task.
Suddenly you can only think about rummaging through the kitchen for a snack. But here’s the big question, what’s that craving really all about?
Snack Attack
Cravings around 3 PM aren’t just about willpower, they’re often your body’s way of saying it needs more energy or certain nutrients. When you reach for a quick sugar fix like a biscuit or chocolate, it can lead to a short burst of energy followed by an even bigger slump. That’s because high-sugar snacks spike your blood sugar, then cause it to crash, leaving you feeling more tired, unfocused, and even hungrier.
Instead, switching to choosing a balanced snack, something with fibre, healthy fats, and protein can help stabilise your energy and curb those cravings.
Think, a handful of nuts and a piece of fruit, Greek yoghurt with berries, or hummus with veggie sticks. I know that does not sound very exciting and I must admit hummus and veggie sticks really don’t rock my world some days either, but you could always opt for some hummus / carrot stick and then a small piece of dark chocolate. That way you’re getting the goodness of fibre, protein and some fat, not to mention tricking your brain into thinking it’s not missing out of life! Ahhh smart hey!
Smart snacking keeps your brain sharp, your mood steady, and your energy consistent, all things you need when you’re juggling a busy schedule.
So, why should you care about these cravings? Because they’re not just random, they’re clues!
When you’re craving something sweet or salty in the middle of the day, it’s often your body’s way of telling you it needs a little boost and certain nutrients you probably haven’t consumed in the last few days that your body needs to nourish itself.
Here’s what you can do to satisfy those cravings and keep your energy steady
Balance your snacks: Pair a healthy fat or protein (like nuts, seeds, or yogurt) with a source of carbs (like fruit or whole-grain crackers). This keeps your energy levels balanced without the dreaded sugar crash and moody hangover later.
Stay hydrated: Sometimes, thirst can feel like hunger. Make sure you’re drinking water regularly to avoid confusing dehydration with hunger. Did you know that when you are dehydrated your joints and muscles ache more and you experience more brain fog than when well hydrated. Yeah so it’s worth drinking up, water that is.
Plan ahead: Stock your desk, bag, or car with some easy, healthy snacks. When the craving hits, you’ll be ready with options that won’t slow you down. I’ve got a little insulated lunch box that I carry everywhere in the car or when I’m travelling. That way I can have room temperature and cold / warm snacks / meals on hand.
Did you know it takes 21 days to form a new habit? That includes changing your craving habits too.
So I created the “Healthy Habit Tracker to Nourish & Balance your Weight”
It has 6 simply steps you can follow and helps to nourish you from the inside out. If you’ve been thinking of creating lasting healthy habits for a while now this is your queue to Download your Healthy Habit Tracker now! ⬇️
You can now view and download your resource here!
Moving on, why listen to your body?
Because cravings and energy dips aren’t the enemy, they’re signals! By tuning in, you’ll start to understand what your body needs to stay energised and focused. It’s all about nourishing yourself in ways that make you feel your best, even when life is busy.
So, the next time you hit that mid-afternoon wall, reach for something that’ll lift you up, not drag you down. Your body knows what it needs, you just have to listen to it more often.
Here’s to your next snack being a power move!
If you have any questions or just want to say hi, feel free to send me an email, I’m always keen to chat. amanda@nutritional-balance.com.au
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Balancing lifestyle with nutrition for a happier, healthier life!
Amanda Pittas - Clinical Nutritionist
Adv. Diploma Nutritional Medicine
A member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. None of Nutritional Balance services shall be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. We cannot and do not provide medical advice. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before altering your diet. The information provided in this blog should not be used in place of a consultation with your physician or other health care provider. We do not recommend the self-management of health problems. Should you have any healthcare-related questions, please consult your physician or other health care provider promptly. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the information