MAN VS PRODUCTIVITY: The Impact of Nutrition on Productivity

Have you ever found yourself staring blankly at a screen, struggling to focus on your work? Or you’ve noticed that your energy levels dip in the afternoon, no matter how much coffee you drink? The solution to these productivity problems may be simpler than you think – it could be the food you’re eating. 

Food plays a crucial role in our overall productivity. According to the World Health Organisation, adequate nutrition can increase productivity by 20% on average. Imagine your body as a machine – it needs the right fuel to function properly. And just like a car, it will only run smoothly when you put in high-quality gasoline. The same goes for your body – your productivity will suffer when you’re not fueling it with the right nutrients. Research has found that individuals with unhealthy diets were 66% more likely to report productivity loss during work hours than those who eat healthy diets (Brigham Young University). 

However, with so many diets and food trends, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to eat. This is where Fortify comes in. Meal prepping is a simple and effective way to ensure you have healthy, nutritious meals on hand. It also lets you plan and make conscious food choices that will give you the energy and focus you need to get through your workday.

Now let’s dive deeper into how food affects productivity. Most food consumed is turned into glucose by our body, providing energy to other parts of our body to stay awake and function. This is why the ability to concentrate and pay attention is very low when an individual is hungry. For example, bananas are a great option, and they are considered superfoods or brain food because you can eat them raw for breakfast or as a snack, add them to desserts, or bake them any way you like. The minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants in bananas positively impact cognitive processes. However, it’s about more than just eating the right foods but also avoiding certain foods that can negatively impact cognitive behaviour.

Vegetable

Nutrients to avoid for optimal productivity

  • Sugar – Too much sugar or too little sugar can affect an individual’s brain and nervous system—low blood sugar results in hunger, anxiety, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and pale skin. High blood sugar increases serotonin and tryptophan hormones, leading to more naps. 
  • Saturated Fat – Consuming meals with high saturated fats lead to fatigue because the brain releases two sleep-induced hormones.
  • Salt and Sodium: Too much salt and sodium in food can cause dehydration and feeling bloated, thus reducing productivity at work.

Eating the right foods and avoiding those negatively impact cognitive performance can improve productivity through nutrition. Some ways to improve productivity through food choices include:

Nut and fruits

Methods include eating the right food to increase productivity,

  1. Switch to healthy snacks like almonds, apples, or other nuts instead of greasy bags of crisps.. They are convenient to store and contain plenty of healthy fats and calories to get you through the day.
  2. Make a meal plan before you are hungry. When individuals are not hungry, they make restrained meal choices and avoid salt, calories, and fat. You can sign up with meal-prepping companies such as Fortify to receive fresh, calorie-counted meals.
  3. Start your morning with an early breakfast, ideally before you leave for work, so you are ready to work by the time your meals are digested.

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining productivity throughout the day. When you start your day with a nutritious breakfast, you’ll have a surge of energy that will last you all morning. This allows you to power through the rest of the day with a satisfying, well-balanced meal. And when the 3pm slump hits, you’ll be prepared with a healthy snack to keep your energy levels up (Harvard Business Review). But it’s not just about the food; timing is also crucial. Eating a big meal right before starting work can make you feel sluggish and tired, while skipping meals can lead to low blood sugar levels, making it difficult to focus.

Having your meals planned and prepared ahead of time ensures you get the right balance of nutrients. Meal-prepping companies like Fortify can help make this process easier by delivering fresh, calorie-counted meals to your doorstep. Next time you struggle to stay productive, take a step back and think about what you’re putting into your body. By fueling it with the proper nutrients, you’ll be able to unlock your full potential and tackle any task that comes your way.

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