I almost skipped lunch today. Here’s why it matters.
I had run a few errands, ticked off some work tasks and was on a roll. I looked at the clock and it was 1:30pm. I wanted to push through, but I could already feel it. A little less sharp. A little foggy. And then I thought about afternoon Larissa, the one who needed to pick up the kids, head to the park and actually enjoy Friday evening.
So I stopped.
I pulled out some leftovers and threw together a plate. By the time it was on the table I was already relieved. It was genuinely delicious.
That one decision gave me a rest, stabilised my blood sugar and gave my brain what it needed to finish the day well.
Skipping meals when you are working from home or in the office can feel like getting ahead. But you are running on borrowed time. And I say this as someone who knows better and still almost did it today.
The solution is simple. Eat something. It doesn't need to be perfect. It just needs to happen.
Better afternoons start at lunch.
Why your brain needs regular fuel
Your brain is a demanding organ. Despite making up only about 2% of your body weight, it uses around 20% of your resting energy. It is working constantly, even when you feel like you are not doing much at all.
Unlike your muscles and liver, your brain can only store a small amount of glucose. Just enough to buffer briefly, not enough to carry you through a missed meal. This means it depends on a steady, reliable supply from the food you eat throughout the day.
When that supply is stable, you think more clearly, make better decisions and feel more even. When it drops, everything gets a little harder. A little slower. A little foggier. Sound familiar?
The good news is that eating regularly is one of the simplest things you can do to support how you feel and function. Not perfectly. Just consistently.
Simple ways to make meals happen
You do not need a meal plan or a perfectly stocked fridge. You just need a few basics and a moment to stop. Whether it is breakfast, lunch or a snack between meetings, the principle is the same.
Here are some ideas to make it easier:
Build the full fire A meal that actually keeps you going has three elements: something fibrous and filling, a source of protein, and a healthy fat. Think a grain or vegetable base, some leftover meat, eggs, legumes or cheese, and something like avocado, nuts, olive oil or a dollop of yoghurt. My throw together lunch today had all three and took about ten minutes.
Leftovers are your best friend Cook once, eat twice. If you are making dinner, make a little extra. The next meal is already done.
Keep it simple at the shops A few things worth having on hand: tinned legumes, eggs, a bag of greens, some nuts and seeds, and whatever vegetables are in the fridge or freezer. Most of these need no or little cooking.
Set a reminder if you need to There is no shame in a 12:30pm phone alarm that just says "eat". When you are in the flow of work, external cues help.
A final note
Eating regularly is not a luxury or something to get to when things slow down. It is one of the most practical things you can do for your energy, your focus and your mood every single day.
You do not need to overhaul your diet. You do not need to be perfect. You just need to show up for yourself at mealtimes, even on the busy days. Especially on the busy days.
If you are finding that low energy, brain fog or mood changes are a pattern rather than an occasional bad day, it might be worth looking at the bigger picture. That is exactly what I do in clinic.
I offer one on one virtual naturopathic consultations, where we look at what is going on for you and put together a simple, practical plan to help you feel better.
If that sounds like what you need, I’d love to hear from you. Book a free 10 minute discovery call or a 60 minute initial consultation here.
References
Clarke, D. D., & Sokoloff, L. (1999). Circulation and energy metabolism of the brain. In G. J. Siegel, B. W. Agranoff, R. W. Albers, S. K. Fisher, & M. D. Uhler (Eds.), Basic neurochemistry: Molecular, cellular and medical aspects (6th ed.). Lippincott-Raven.
Magistretti, P. J., & Allaman, I. (2015). A cellular perspective on brain energy metabolism and functional imaging. Neuron, 86(4), 883–901. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2015.03.035
Markussen, K. H., Corti, M., Byrne, B. J., Vander Kooi, C. W., Sun, R. C., & Gentry, M. S. (2023). The multifaceted roles of brain glycogen. Journal of Neurochemistry. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15926