10 Recipes For Jump-Starting the Afternoon Slump

10 Recipes For Jump-Starting the Afternoon Slump

Power through fatigue with these energizing, nutrient-packed recipes.

Quick list

The dreaded afternoon slump hits like clockwork for many of us—energy dips, focus wavers, and suddenly, the day feels twice as long. Whether you’re tackling deadlines, chasing kids, or managing household errands, this daily wall can feel insurmountable.

The good news? The right snacks can make all the difference. Science shows that mid-afternoon fatigue often stems from blood sugar dips, dehydration, or even that heavy carb-filled lunch. Rather than reaching for another coffee or a sugary treat that’ll send you into an even bigger crash later, why not try something different?

We’ve curated a list of recipes from our Rily team that don’t just perk you up but actually fuel your body and mind to power through the rest of the day. Packed with protein, fibre, and healthy fats, these snacks are quick, delicious, and designed to fight fatigue at their source.

So, if you’re tired of feeling tired every afternoon, dive into these recipes. Your afternoon self will thank you!

And, read our feature from our in-house nutrition and wellness expert, Damien Zielinski; How to Beat the Afternoon Slump and Power Through Your Day to learn how to revamp your routine with quick lifestyle tweaks to keep your day on track.

Salmon Bowl with Crispy Rice
Viral Salmon Bowl with Crispy Rice

Viral Salmon Bowl with Crispy Rice

Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin

This vibrant bowl is an energy-packed blend of crispy brown rice, protein-rich salmon, and creamy avocado, perfect for combating midday fatigue. The mix of healthy fats, fibre, and protein stabilizes blood sugar and helps prevent that afternoon energy crash, while nori and spinach add essential vitamins for mental clarity.

Get the recipe.

Tahini Buffalo Chicken Bowl
Tahini Buffalo Chicken Bowl

Tahini Buffalo Chicken Bowl

Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin

This hearty bowl combines shredded chicken, jasmine rice, and roasted vegetables with a creamy tahini buffalo sauce for the ultimate energy boost. With its balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, it provides sustained energy to help power through exhaustion and mental fatigue.

Get the recipe.

Matcha Muffins
Vanilla Bean Matcha High Protein Muffins

Vanilla Bean Matcha High Protein Muffins

Recipe by Megan Horsley These protein-packed muffins, featuring matcha and vanilla, are your secret weapon against fatigue. Each low-carb muffin delivers a burst of energy with 14g of protein, perfect for stabilizing blood sugar and keeping you full through a busy morning or afternoon slump.

Get the recipe.

Broccoli Frittata Cups
Broccoli Chickpea Frittata Cups

Broccoli Chickpea Frittata Cups

Recipe by Jennifer Barr

Start your day strong with these plant-based frittata cups packed with protein, fibre, and healthy fats. The chickpea flour base and nutrient-rich veggies like broccoli and spinach ensure long-lasting energy, making them perfect for fighting morning fatigue or as an anytime energy-boosting snack.

Get the recipe.

High-Protein Chickpea Blondies
High-Protein Chickpea Blondies

High-Protein Chickpea Blondies

Recipe by Megan Horsley

Craving a treat without the sugar crash? These blondies pack a punch with chickpeas, almond butter, and collagen powder. Loaded with fibre, protein, and natural sweetness, they stabilize energy levels and are a delicious way to combat exhaustion and refuel post-workout.

Get the recipe.

Two Yogurt Parfaits
Greek Yogurt & Chia Breakfast Bowl

Greek Yogurt & Chia Breakfast Bowl

Recipe by Carley Nadine

This creamy bowl combines protein-packed Greek yogurt, fibre-rich chia seeds, and antioxidant-loaded berries for a powerhouse breakfast. It is designed to fight fatigue, balance blood sugar, and energize you for the hours ahead.

Get the recipe.

Hydrating Pineapple Green Juice
Hydrating Pineapple Green Juice

Hydrating Pineapple Green Juice

Recipe by Fran Allen

Stay refreshed and energized with this vibrant green juice made from pineapple, kale, cucumber, and celery. Rich in electrolytes, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory ginger, it’s perfect for hydration and fighting fatigue.

Get the recipe.

Smoothie
Morning Buzz Smoothie

Morning Buzz Smoothie

Recipe by Fran Allen

This energizing smoothie combines banana, cacao, espresso, and warming spices for a perfect morning pick-me-up. Its balanced blend of protein, fibre, and caffeine delivers a steady energy boost and helps you avoid the mid-morning crash.

Get the recipe.

Grilled Shrimp, Corn & Avocado Salad
Grilled Shrimp, Corn & Avocado Salad

Grilled Shrimp, Corn & Avocado Salad

Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin

Packed with grilled shrimp, creamy avocado, and vibrant veggies, this summer salad is a fatigue-fighting powerhouse. High in protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, it supports mental clarity and stable energy throughout the day.

Get the recipe.

Jars of Granola
Superfood Rawnola

Superfood Rawnola

Recipe by Jennifer Barr

Fuel your day with this nutrient-dense raw granola loaded with almonds, cashews, hemp seeds, and flax. Packed with fibre, healthy fats, and plant-based protein, this recipe fights exhaustion and keeps blood sugar steady. Ideal for a quick snack to beat energy dips, it’s a powerhouse of superfoods in every bite.

Get the recipe.

Tags:
Fatigue
,
Exhuastion
,
Energy
,
Energy Balance Model
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Mental energy
,
High Protein
,
Protein-rich
,
High Fibre
,
hydration
,
Hormone Health
Erin Horrocks-PopeBorn and raised in Toronto, Erin is a dedicated freelance journalist, accomplished copywriter, and meticulous copyeditor. Beyond her bustling career, she's a devoted mother of four young kids who can't get enough of the mouthwatering recipes curated by Rily's culinary experts.
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