{"id":1355,"date":"2022-08-16T13:25:23","date_gmt":"2022-08-16T13:25:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.handdy.com\/blog\/?p=1355"},"modified":"2022-10-11T07:09:40","modified_gmt":"2022-10-11T07:09:40","slug":"how-your-diet-at-work-can-affect-productivity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.handdy.com\/blog\/how-your-diet-at-work-can-affect-productivity\/","title":{"rendered":"How Your Diet at Work Can Affect Productivity"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"How<\/p>\n

Food is probably bottom of your list when you\u2019re considering all the factors that contribute to workplace productivity and performance. We\u2019re all trying to stay on top of deadlines and meetings, and food can become an afterthought.<\/p>\n

But ask yourself this: what was the most productive workday you had last week? And what did you have for lunch that day?<\/p>\n

Our diet at work can affect us more than you might think. Food directly impacts our cognitive performance<\/a>, and eating healthily at work can prevent cognitive deterioration and even the onset of dementia. A poor decision at lunch can have more consequences than you\u2019d expect.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s essential to understand how your diet can affect your productivity before you can start making positive changes in your food choices. Let\u2019s look at why eating well at work is so essential for your performance and general wellbeing. <\/p>\n

Related:<\/b> How to Improve Employee Happiness and Productivity (and Why You Should)<\/a><\/p>\n

Why Is What I Eat at Work So Important? <\/h2>\n

Almost everything we eat is converted into glucose by our body, which provides energy to our brain, muscles, heart, and liver. Our brain needs this energy to stay alert and focused. When our body is running low on glucose, our attention drifts quickly, and it\u2019s hard to concentrate.<\/p>\n

This might not be news to you, but perhaps you\u2019ve never thought about how our bodies process foods at different rates. For example, simple carbohydrates<\/a> like fruit juices release glucose quickly. This leads to a high burst of energy followed by a collapse. High-fat meals (fast-food like burgers) give your body more sustained energy but also mean our digestive system has to work harder \u2014 leading to bloating and constipation.<\/a><\/p>\n

A Cycle of Bad Decisions <\/strong> <\/h4>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

The spike-and-crash cycle can leave you feeling groggy and tired. A balanced meal containing protein, fiber-rich carbs, and healthy fats will take longer for your body to digest. This slows down the release of glucose so your energy will remain sustained without the risk of you crashing.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re all guilty of making poor decisions regarding our diet at work. When we\u2019re looking for something to eat, we\u2019re low in energy anyway, which doesn\u2019t help our self-control.<\/p>\n

Unhealthy, quick lunch options are often more cost-effective and easier than healthy alternatives. When you\u2019re busy, a fast McDonalds can seem like an efficient choice. But, you end up paying for it with a weaker performance for the remainder of the day.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, fast food is delicious, and there\u2019s no denying it. It\u2019s designed and enhanced to be that way. So, to revolutionize your eating habits at work, you\u2019ll need an action plan. Here are some strategies to promote productivity at work through what you drink and eat.<\/p>\n

Related:<\/b> Spotting a Lack of Productivity in the Workplace: 5 Warning Signs to Look Out For<\/a><\/p>\n

Drink Lots of Water! <\/strong> <\/h3>\n

\"Drink<\/p>\n

You need to drink enough water to stay on top of energy levels. One way you can do this is to have a 2L bottle of water on your desk and aim to finish it by the end of the day. And if you do finish it by the end of the day \u2014 refill it and drink that too. <\/p>\n

There\u2019s much to be said about the advantages of drinking enough water. You\u2019ll feel more alert and awake, amongst other health benefits<\/a>. This includes helping with digestion, preventing constipation, and feeling fuller \u2014 which will prevent you from snacking on unhealthy foods.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Skip Breakfast <\/strong> <\/h3>\n

It\u2019s time to make eating breakfast in the morning a priority, despite the morning rush to start work. Breakfast is \u201cthe most important meal of the day\u201d for a reason. Eating breakfast kick-starts your metabolism<\/a>. When you skip breakfast, it can interrupt your body\u2019s rhythm of eating and fasting. Your blood sugars are usually low as soon as you wake up, so breakfast is key to replenishing energy for your muscles and brain.<\/p>\n

If your body isn\u2019t fuelled up in the morning, you\u2019ll feel tired and energy deficient, leading to overeating later. It\u2019s also a chance to consume essential vitamins and nutrients from grains, fruits and dairy \u2014 foods you might not eat at other meals.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t have time in the morning? Then try to prepare something the night before to make your life easier. Greek yogurt with oats, nuts, and fruit can be left in the fridge overnight; alternatively, hard boil a couple of eggs to have in the morning. You don\u2019t have to cook porridge in the pan either. Put it in the microwave for a few minutes (with either milk or water) and sweeten it with honey. Plenty of healthy choices are available, and it\u2019s more a case of committing to eating healthy food at work and making it part of your routine.<\/p>\n

Make Decisions Before Hunger Strikes <\/strong> <\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t make the decision about what you\u2019re eating for lunch at midday. As we\u2019ve mentioned, it\u2019s easy to make a quick and easy choice \u2014 especially if you\u2019re \u2018hangry\u2019. It\u2019s a good idea to control your diet at work. You\u2019ll end up saving money if you make and prepare your lunch. Remember that healthy snacks throughout the day will help maintain your glucose levels<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Stock up on Healthy Snacks <\/strong> <\/h3>\n

When hunger strikes, the temptation is to reach for a biscuit or the nearest snack available. This makes healthy snacking harder to achieve. Keep your drawer stocked with healthy snacks instead of spontaneously seeking food when you\u2019re hungry. Nuts, dry fruit, and healthy energy bars are all viable options.<\/p>\n

The Power of Omega 3 <\/strong> <\/h3>\n

Not all fat is unhealthy. Omega 3 fatty acids are the healthiest fats out there, with a host of health benefits. Essential for eye and brain development<\/a>, heart health, and lowering blood pressure<\/a> \u2014 introduce more Omega 3 into your diet at work. Natural Omega 3 is found in oily-cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout. Improve brain function<\/a> by eating oily fish at least three times weekly for a more productive working day.<\/p>\n

Which Foods Can Boost Productivity at Work? <\/h2>\n

So you\u2019re keen to start your new diet at work, but you\u2019re not sure which foods can help you avoid the dreaded afternoon slump. Under each food group, we\u2019ve listed some foods that you can incorporate into your daily eating routine at work.<\/p>\n

Carbohydrates <\/strong> <\/h3>\n

\"Carbohydrates\"<\/p>\n

Carbohydrates are our body\u2019s main source of energy<\/a>. Carbohydrates come in different forms \u2014 sugars, starches, and fiber. For your work diet, you\u2019ll need complex carbohydrates<\/a> found in whole grains, pasta, and cereals. They release energy at a slower rate which is beneficial for exercise and your brain.<\/p>\n

But as with many things in life, a balance is important. Consuming too many carbohydrates can deplete productivity<\/a>, leaving you bloated and fatigued. Here are some beneficial carbohydrates that can help you enhance workplace productivity:<\/p>\n