Your Productivity Level Depends on what you Eat

Our bodies are wired in a unique way; everything is connected in some way; and when one part suffers others must suffer also. Remember the story of the most important part of the body? Every aspect and organ in our bodies work synergistically for the optimal functioning of the body. I believe the body should be used as a classical example of teamwork, cooperation and respect for individual capabilities. 

Back to nutrition; what you eat determines what enters your bloodstream, and your brain function is one of the most obvious evidence of your body’s health. When it’s healthy, you’re focused. 

A higher percentage of the food we eat is broken down into glucose after they enter the body. Glucose is the fuel that allows you to perform everyday actions. It gives you the energy to accomplish physical tasks and keeps your brain alert and focused.

Your eating habit determines how much glucose flows through your blood, providing energy for the brain and body. Different foods produce a different amount of glucose in your bloodstream. Too much or too little glucose will leave you unfocused, with poor energy levels, and low brain performance. The secret is knowing how to balance it.

If you eat a healthy diet, your glucose levels will level off, and you’ll be alert throughout the day. If you eat poorly, you’ll experience spurts of productivity and periods of struggling to stay alert and creative in your everyday tasks.

When you eat foods high in carbs and sugars, it will be broken down into glucose very quickly, entering the bloodstream at a rapid pace and providing a sudden burst of energy. But after about 30 minutes, your glucose levels will drop because the sugars and carbs were not enough to sustain a steady supply of glucose.

Eating something that is low on the glycemic index, like a banana is much better because it will release glucose at a more steady rate. Rather than spiking and then crashing; you’ll have a steady flow of energy that will allow you to accomplish different tasks and stay focused. 

The World Health Organisation reports that “adequate nutrition can raise your productivity levels by 20 percent on average.”

You’ll be better able to focus and accomplish tasks when you’ve eaten properly.

A study by Roy F. Baumeister, is a great illustration of this concept. Researchers told children to skip breakfast before coming to school. Half the children were randomly selected to eat a nutritious breakfast while at school and the rest were given nothing to eat.

The results were incredible. Those who had eaten breakfast had fewer behavioral problems and higher learning patterns than those who had not. When those who had not had breakfast were given a snack, their success improved as well.

Their study asserted the saying of my elders, loosely translated as “an empty stomach hears nobody”. Eating and eating right is the key to success or dismal failure in the workplace.

Eating Habits for Greater Cognitive Function

If you are in search of increased productivity, do well to adopt some of the key habits highlighted below;

1. Limit your processed foods

Junk food and other packaged goods will give you a temporary spike in blood sugar, but you’ll crash hard and gain weight in the process. 

2. Eat the right foods

Berries, leafy greens, tomatoes, nuts and seeds, beef, dairy, whole grains, and green tea can do wonders for boosting your energy levels as well as your immunity.

3. Eat breakfast every morning

As the study mentioned earlier points out, eating breakfast is key to high performance in the morning hours.

4. Drink plenty of water

Hydration is just as important as other nutrients while you’re trying to stay focused at work.

5. Limit drinking and quit tobacco

Too much of either of these substances can not only lead to serious health conditions, but also make it hard to focus at work.

6. Make healthier snacks readily available 

Pre-pack healthy snacks like carrot sticks, apple slices, nuts, and other healthy options so you reach for one of these rather than for a processed alternative.

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Culled from: ThriveGlobal.