Many people wonder why they are less productive after lunch. They suffer from a mid-afternoon slump and begin counting the hours until they can go home. Often, this slump is directly attributed to the foods they ate for lunch. What foods should a person eat to be more productive throughout the day?
Cognitive Performance and Food Choices
The body converts food into glucose, which the brain uses to remain alert and productive. If the body runs low on this substance, a person cannot focus or concentrate on tasks. However, the body processes foods at different rates. When a person eats certain foods, the body quickly converts these foods to glucose. Once the glucose is depleted, the body slumps. High-fat foods are more challenging to digest. While they provide the body with sustained energy, they lower the brain’s oxygen levels so the person feels groggy. A person needs to be interested in getting pistachios rather than French fries or mozzarella sticks to prevent this slump.
Decide What to Eat Early
People often wait until they are hungry to consider food choices. Plan meals early to avoid finding the closest place to fill an empty stomach. When finishing one meal, begin planning the next snack or meal. Doing so makes it easier to choose healthy foods rather than those that will quickly satisfy hunger.
Snack Throughout the day
People often experience ups and downs in their energy levels throughout the day. These periods typically correlate with their blood sugar levels. When blood sugar drops, people become groggy and unable to focus. When it rises, they accomplish more in less time. By keeping blood sugar levels constant, people find they are more productive, and their cognitive function improves. People shouldn’t limit themselves to three meals a day because that leads to the ups and downs that cause problems.
Keep Healthy Snacks Nearby
Having healthy snacks on hand makes food choices easy. Keep these snacks in sight throughout the day so they are the first thing that comes to mind when it is time to munch on something. Consider setting up a healthy snack subscription. Pick those items that always seem to disappear quickly and have them delivered on a set schedule. By doing so, a person can save time grocery shopping and have excellent snacks that will allow them to get more done.
Backed by Science
The British Journal of Health Psychology conducted a study that found that the foods a person eats affect their entire day. The researchers followed individuals over 13 days to see which foods they ate and the impact of these foods. They learned that men and women who eat more fruits and vegetables are happier, more engaged, and more creative. These healthy food choices stimulated dopamine production in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in motivation, engagement, and curiosity. In addition, fruits and vegetables lower inflammation within the body while boosting memory and mood.
Men and women who want to boost their workplace performance need to consider their food choices. Switching to healthy snacks can help them do more and improve their work. Most people assume they must resist the temptation to make poor food choices. Surprisingly, having healthy foods available is often enough to help individuals make healthy choices, so pick up pistachios and other nutritious foods today and see how they transform your life.
