How A Healthy Diet Can Boost Your Work Productivity

In a typical 8-hour workday, most employees will only be able to accomplish about three hours of work. Though there are many factors that can affect your productivity in the workplace, one possible reason is that you’re simply not in the best condition due to an unhealthy diet. What you eat throughout the day can have a significant impact on your work performance. Unhealthy eating habits can also make you more vulnerable to common health conditions associated with the office environment, such as fatigue, migraines and the flu. So, if you’re looking to boost your productivity at work, one easy solution is to adopt healthier eating habits. Here’s how a healthy diet can boost your work performance.

The Role Of A Healthy Diet In Workplace Productivity 

An average person will spend one-third of their life at work, most of the time sitting in front of the desk and staring at the computer. The lack of physical activity can lead many employees to develop a sedentary lifestyle. Coupled with an unhealthy diet, employees could be at risk of developing health risks like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Studies have found that employees with poor diets, a body mass index outside the “healthy” range, and a higher number of health risks have lower work performance. So a healthy diet will not just improve your productivity levels at work; it can also improve your overall health and boost life expectancy. If you’re already at an unhealthy weight, losing weight through low-calorie drinks and dishes will help get you on the right path. It’s also important to know the right kinds of food to give you more energy at work.

What Kinds Of Food Can Boost Your Productivity?

Have you ever wondered why you’re suddenly sleepy or lethargic after having a delicious meal during your lunch break? You might also find that it’s harder to concentrate on your tasks and make crucial decisions. This is probably due to the kinds of food that you eat. Not all foods are created equal, specifically in terms of how food provides your body with energy. Foods that are high in carbohydrates, fat and sugar – such as pasta, white bread, cheeseburgers, french fries and soda – release glucose at a faster pace. You might feel a burst of energy upon eating, but this will not last. You’ll quickly find yourself in an energy slump right after. These foods also can’t sustain you for long, and you’ll feel hungry again in no time.

In contrast, foods that are high in protein and fiber – such as chicken, fish, leafy green vegetables, nuts, fruits and whole grains – are able to satiate you for a longer period. These foods release glucose more slowly, thus providing you with longer-lasting energy throughout the day. This is echoed in studies that found that consumption of healthy foods and fluids was able to provide participants with improved cognition and less glucose variability. So if you want to boost productivity levels in the workplace, you need to start eating healthier meals. For an easier transition, you might also want to consider healthy pre-packed meals to bring to your office.

With high workloads and short break times, most employees tend to eat in fast-food restaurants where food is tasty, easily accessible, and quick to order. Unfortunately, this can have a negative effect on productivity, as unhealthy foods can make you sleepy and lethargic. If you want to improve your work performance, it’s time to adopt a healthier diet. This will not only give you the energy you need to accomplish your tasks throughout the day, but it can also help you live a longer life.

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