It's 3 p.m. You're staring at the monitor, eyes partially glazed over, drifting dangerously between consciousness and dead sleep. Before your head hits the desk, you lurch out of the chair and careen toward the coffee machine. We've all been there. It's the dreaded energy crash.

When afternoon exhaustion kicks in, the first thought is to grab a cup of coffee or can of Diet Coke in an attempt to power through the rest of the day. But even in all of its energizing glory, caffeine can not only leave you feeling shaky and jittery, but it can also affect sleep patterns. So instead of just reacting to an energy crash, you can be proactive by preventing afternoon fatigue through the foods you eat. Whether it's staying away from the vending machine or learning how to balance protein and carbs, AOL Health gives you the advice you need to help you get through the day.

Are you an energy drink junkie? Find out what you're really putting in your body, here.