Eating healthy increases productivity
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February 15, 2021
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You've probably heard it many times, "You are what you eat!" But you might not have given thought to how deeply its logic applies to the most important aspects of everyday working life. Food choices impact our health, wellness, mood and energy levels.
Food is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, and your productivity is affected by the food you eat in more ways than you can imagine. A study conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University showed that employees with unhealthy diets were 66 per cent more likely to report productivity loss as compared to healthy eaters.
Eating well can not only have a profound effect on our productivity but also reduce the risk of long-term illnesses like heart disease, cancers, type 2 diabetes and other major illness. According to a report by the WHO, proper nutrition can improve your productivity by about 20%. You'll be better able to focus and accomplish tasks when you've eaten properly.
Three nutrients one must look out for,
MAGNESIUM
It is linked to a reduction in anxiety. Magnesium is found in leafy greens, steak and dark chocolate. It has a relaxing effect on muscles.
PHENYLALANINE
Phenylalanine stimulates the brain to produce mood-boosting neurotransmitters such as dopamine. It is mostly in almonds.
VITAMIN D
It helps to improve reaction time and concentration by boosting the functioning of neurons. The sun is your best source of Vitamin D.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables every day.
Research indicates that eating fruits and vegetables throughout the day is extremely good for the body and mind. A fascinating paper in the British Journal of Health Psychology highlights the extent to which food affects our day-to-day experience. The more fruits and vegetable people consumed, the happier, more engaged, and more creative they tended to be.
Nutrition and cognition
Poor nutrition and poor eating habits affect your brain's energy levels, which can lead to reduced productivity. Also if you frequently eat processed foods you tend to be more irritable and it also increases the risk of suffering from anxiety and depression. For people already struggling with mental health disorders, the symptoms might get worse when they don't eat properly.
Cut the fat, increase the protein.
Meals that are high in fat make you sleepy and take a long time to digest. On the other hand, meals that are high in protein can boost the energy level and stimulate certain brain cells. Also don't work while you eat. Eating in front of a screen contributes to overeating. Always eat in the right portion at the right time.
Final thought
Let’s summarize how eating well can increase productivity
· Eating well increases energy and alertness and ensures a healthy immune system, which will reduce absenteeism.
· Eating well improves sleep, leading to greater concentration and also helps to improve mental health.
· And of course, a healthy, balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight.
The key to productivity is in your hands. Watch what you eat, and you'll be amazed at the results that follow in every aspect of your life.