We all know that having more energy during the day leads to more productivity at work, but what can we do to make it happen? Many of us might turn to increasing our caffeine levels, or even turn to sugary foods that can produce the bursts of energy we need throughout the day. However, doing so can also have harmful side effects. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of healthy alternatives that can increase your energy levels and boost work productivity, and answer your question about what to eat for work results that you can be proud of.
Eat Omega 3s
An essential fatty acid found in a variety of nuts, oils, and fish such as salmon, omega 3s play a critical role in brain function and also help your body store carbohydrates as energy. Adding foods to your diet that are rich in this ingredient can help increase your energy levels, and support your ability to focus on tasks throughout the day.
Whole Grains
Eating carbohydrates can spike your blood sugar, but this is often followed by a crash – particularly when you eat too many of them and it can also translate into fatty weight gain. This is why we recommend choosing whole grains when it comes to supplying your body’s need for carbohydrates. They take longer for your body to digest and the energy produced is spread out over a longer period. Thus, this steady gain can help you stay productive longer and avoid a crash in energy levels.
Water
Drinking enough water helps your body stay healthy and aides in the transportation of nutrients. Staying hydrated, therefore, is critical in maintaining sufficient energy levels and we recommend that you always keep a water bottle nearby. However, if you are like a number of people, you might not be doing this for one reason: water is “boring.” Thus, we create an endless cycle of unhealthy drinking.
To help aid you in the effort to drink more water and be healthier, consider infusing it with fruit. Adding fruit to your water can be a tasty alternative to the sugary and caffeinated drinks that we often consume throughout the day, without any consideration of the negative impacts it has on our bodies. Keeping your fruit infused water bottle with you throughout the day can help you avoid the negative consequences that other beverages may provide.
Green Tea
While we’ve been warning you about caffeine, there is such a thing as a healthy amount to help you stay productive on the job. Consuming small amounts, such as what is found in green tea, can help improve memory function. So remember: a small amount of caffeine is actually good for you.
Eat Your Vegetables
Hate to say it, but mom was right. There is a reason why your mom encouraged you to eat your vegetables at the dinner table growing up: they are vitamin and mineral rich, which is essential for you to maintain good energy levels. Eating dark leafy greens are probably the best of this group because of how densely rich they are in minerals such as iron – essential for bringing more oxygen to the brain and improving cognitive control.
Being more productive at work is easier if you have a healthy lifestyle. You can build a foundation for one by simply making better choices.