It seems crazy to think that we’re half way through 2018. I’ve achieved so much this year, but still have SO much on my to-do lists, for personal and business goals. Since starting The Small Slice Bakery I’ve had to really manage my time well to continue producing content for Instagram, here on the blog, the podcast and somehow having a social life. Some days, the exhaustion has been real, and in order to stay awake, my eating has been out of control. But what you eat has such a big effect on not only your physical self but also your mental state, and for small business owners like myself, your productivity. Today I’ve got a guest post from the wonderful Claudia Gimeno with some smart snacking and eating decisions for being a productivity powerhouse whatever your industry or lifestyle!
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When life is hectic, and you’ve got a lot on your plate, you just need to get things done! Sometimes it’s all too easy to turn to caffeine, drinking cup after cup of coffee to feel energised. But, in fact, there’s a wide variety of delicious fruits, veggies, grains and proteins that can help boost your productivity.
Before you make any changes to your diet, it’s always important to know your current health status. One great way to do this is to learn about what is a healthy BMI and, indeed, your own. Essentially, the BMI is a measure of your weight that takes into account your height. By knowing this you can evaluate which types of food to eat to keep yourself in optimum health. For more information on this, click here! The foods listed below can help contribute to a healthy diet, while also being great go-to options when your brain needs a bit of a boost.
- Raw nuts: Nuts are jam-packed full of protein, which is great for your overall energy levels. They also contain Vitamin E, which is thought to be good for memory power!
- Berries: Dark skinned fruits and veg are thought to be good for protecting against the signs of aging. Try a nice handful of dark berries for a mid-afternoon snack or pair with Greek yogurt for pudding.
- Salmon: Your brain is partially made up of fatty acids, and salmon is a great source of this nutrient! It contains omega 3 fatty acids, which may improve memory and sometimes even help with depression. You can always try a fish oil supplement if you’re not a fan of the taste.
- Bananas: Get your brain-powering glucose from fruit! Bananas provide quick-acting energy spikes, so combine them with a long-acting carb like porridge.
- Brown rice: Brown rice is chock-full of magnesium, which may help to relieve stress – a major energy zapper!
- Avocados: Avocados contain unsaturated fat which, when used to replace saturated fat as part of a healthy diet, can improve heart health. Better heart health means better blood flow throughout your body, including to your brain. Homemade guacamole for the win!
- Aubergine: The nutrients in this tasty food can help improve communication between brain cells and the messengers that send information between them. The skin is particularly beneficial, so try cooking slices on a grill-pan to add to a burger or a summer salad.
- Wholegrains: Wholegrains like those found in wholemeal bread have lots of folate. This nutrient helps to increase blood flow, which means your organs can get more oxygen and thus be more energised when you’re trying to work.
- Broccoli: This wonder food is not only a tasty veg packed full of fibre, it’s also a big source of Vitamin K, a really important vitamin when it comes to brain power. Try roasting with a dash of olive oil and some garlic for a tasty side dish.
- Spinach: Popeye was right – spinach is great, but not for your muscles! This leafy green’s real superpower is providing antioxidants, which can help get rid of things in the brain that damage its cells.
Those are some of my favourite productivity-enhancing foods. Try some today and see how much better you can feel!
