The 9 Best Brain Foods to Boost Office Productivity
You’re at work, and you get a sudden case of the afternoon munchies. Do you grab a soda and a bag of chips, or do you reach for a healthier snack? What you put into your body can impact your entire day and night. If you are more of a health-conscious person, here is a list of brainfoods to boost office productivity and keep you on your game all week long.
Blueberries
Berries are full of antioxidants and are excellent for increasing memory function as well as preventing issues with memory in the future. Fun fact; the darker the berry, the better it is for you. So, if you’re looking to increase your brain power, overall productivity in the workplace, and want to feel much healthier – pack a small bag of blueberries for a morning or afternoon snack!
Nuts
Nuts are a great snack choice for a few reasons. They are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats that your body needs. They are also rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and amino acids meaning that they’ll give you a natural increase in memory and brain performance that you’ll need to make it through your day. Almonds and walnuts are best for maximum brain power so if you’re looking for a crunchy snack, nuts > chips.
Green Tea
Green tea is a natural energy booster but doesn’t harbor any of the negative side effects of those other energy drinks. Green tea also contains antioxidants which may help improve body and brain function. One of the newest trends in green tea is Matcha, which boasts a variety of benefits. When it’s snack time, do your body a favor; pass on the soda machine and have some afternoon tea.
Dark Chocolate
If you’re looking to improve your overall focus and satisfy your sweet tooth, dark chocolate is a smart choice. The caffeine content helps you to feel more energetic as you complete your daily tasks while the lower sugar content gives your that sweet boost without all the extra calories. Dark chocolate also contains magnesium, which is said to be a natural stress reliever. When your sweet tooth is calling, dark chocolate is sure to satisfy.
Avocados
Avocados are an excellent way to keep your blood flowing because they are a natural stimulant and they contain healthy fats. Not to mention they taste delicious and can improve your overall focus. Some people like to eat them right out of the peel as a solo snack (removing the seed, of course) while others use them to complement a salad, sandwich or entree. Breakfast, lunch or dinner – you can always find a way to incorporate some delicious avocado.
Raisins
When was the last time you had a handful of raisins? Your mom may have packed them for you as a kid, and they’re just as good today. Raisins are loaded with an element called boron. USDA researchers found that people who ate just 3.2 milligrams of boron a day performed 10% better on attention and memory tests. It looks like your mom was right once again.
Bananas
Often called “the perfect food” bananas contain fiber, vitamins and natural sugar. They don’t throw off your blood sugar balance like refined sugars, and one banana has the daily amount of glucose your body needs to function properly. As an added bonus, it comes in its own completely biodegradable wrapper.
Eggs
Eggs are not only a delicious breakfast item, but they are essential for improving memory and reaction time. They also contain B vitamins and protein, which give you sustained energy and help you to feel great. A boiled egg is a quick, convenient way to protein-load while on the go. Just remember to keep it refrigerated.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is chock full of magnesium, which (as we mentioned earlier) is an excellent natural stress reliever. Brown rice also contains several vitamins that our bodies need to stay in tip-top shape and helps improve brain power, allowing us to be more efficient. That said, a container of brown rice isn’t exactly a crave-worthy snack, so you may have to get creative. Try adding some pineapple, coconut shavings and Mandarin oranges for a taste of the tropics. Or hit that savory note and add some scrambled eggs, onions and hot sauce. Just because rice is healthy, doesn’t mean it has to be boring.
What you put into your body is very important, but how you position your body while in the office is essential, too. While you consider making healthier choices, you may want to upgrade your office chair. Contact us today to learn more about our office seating options or check out our website to see some of our ergonomic seating options.