Healthy snacking at work is key to a successful shift. According to the Harvard study: “Food has a direct impact on our cognitive performance... Just about everything we eat is converted by our body into glucose, which provides the energy our brains need to stay alert." Our productivity is directly related to our diet, so it’s important to make healthy choices when it comes to snacking at work.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average American eats 2.2 snacks every day. However, making healthy snack choices for your work break can involve a bit of research and time. That’s why we put together a few tips on how to eat healthy on your work breaks:
1) Eat what you like! Experiment with new foods or try a healthier version of something you already enjoy. It’s important that you enjoy what you eat, or it makes sticking to healthy options harder.
2) Pack your healthy snacks ahead of time. Stick to a routine and make time in your day for snack prep. This prevents doing “whatever is easiest,” like choosing chips from a vending machine.
3) Educate yourself on healthy options. Pinterest, Facebook groups, and food blogs are all great places to find a wide variety of tasty, healthy snack recipes.
4) Snack smart with options that keep you fuller, longer. Snacks that are high in protein and fiber can help you sustain your energy levels without leading to that “slump” that sugary, unhealthy snacks can cause.
5) Make time to eat. Not only is taking your break important, but it’s also important that you slow down and enjoy your break. Don’t cut your break short and rush through your snack. Mindfulness when eating prevents eating portions that are too big and allows you to enjoy your snack.
With a bit of prep time, smart choices, and mindfulness, you can make healthier snacking decisions at work. While you enjoy your break, a healthy snack can help you boost your energy levels and maintain your focus for a more successful shift.