Top 8 Office Snacks to Improve Productivity

Why does this happen?

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Most of the food we consume gets converted into glucose in our bodies, which serves as the fuel our brains require to stay focused. When our glucose levels drop, it becomes challenging to maintain focus, and our attention tends to wander. 

 

Here’s where it gets tricky: not all foods are metabolized at the same speed by our bodies. Certain foods, such as pasta, bread, cereal, and soda, rapidly release glucose, resulting in a quick energy boost followed by a subsequent slump. In contrast, foods high in fat content, like cheeseburgers and BLTs, provide more sustained energy but demand greater effort from our digestive system, which, in turn, reduces oxygen levels in the brain and leaves us feeling sluggish.

 

Much of this knowledge is instinctual for most of us, yet we don't always make wise dietary choices. Part of the reason is that our decision-making abilities are at their lowest ebb when we're choosing what to eat. French fries and mozzarella sticks become much more appealing when we're mentally fatigued.

 

Unhealthy lunch choices also tend to be more cost-effective and quicker to obtain than healthier alternatives, making them particularly tempting during a hectic workday. They seem efficient. This is precisely where our lunchtime decisions lead us astray. We save a few minutes now but end up paying for it with reduced performance for the remainder of the day. Saving 10 minutes might lose you 5 hours. 

 

Now without further ado, here are the top 8 snacks:

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​1. Bananas

One banana contains the daily dose of glucose necessary to maintain productivity throughout the day. Additionally, bananas offer a substantial supply of carbohydrates, which helps you feel satiated for an extended period. The optimal performance of our brains occurs when there are approximately 25 grams of glucose present in our bloodstream, a quantity roughly equivalent to that contained in a banana. Deviating from this level, whether exceeding or falling short, can result in a gradual decline in mental acuity.

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​2. Green Tea

Green tea is a great alternative to coffee. Though tea is lower in caffeine, it's rich in L-theanine, a powerful antioxidant that also stimulates your brain. Therefore not only does drinking tea keep you awake and alert, but it also activates different parts of the brain, such as those associated with vigilance, recollection, cognitive abilities, and rational thinking. Consequently, tea intake is believed to lead to decreased anxiety, improved memory, heightened brain performance, and increased energy levels. Aside from that, tea also has many other benefits including boosting metabolism, lowering cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, and improving skin health.

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​3. Apple & Peanut Butter

Apples are abundant in antioxidants and contain approximately 13 grams of sugar, making them a more efficient energy source compared to coffee. When you combine them with a tablespoon or two of your preferred natural peanut butter, you create an ideal blend of energy and protein to sustain mental alertness and satiety. In addition, apples enhance the well-being of your digestive system and lower the chances of experiencing a stroke, hypertension, diabetes, heart problems, excess weight, and certain types of cancers.

 

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​4. Eggs

A single substantial egg, weighing 50 grams, contains more than 6 grams of protein, along with essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamins A, B6, B12, and D, among others. Eggs are particularly rich in choline, a B vitamin recognized for its potential to enhance memory and quicken reaction times. With minimal preparation time required, you can enjoy a multitude of fantastic EGGcelent advantages!

 

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​5. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate boasts a wealth of nutrients that can enhance your job performance. The combination of sugar and caffeine found in dark chocolate provides just the right amount of energy to boost productivity without causing the post-coffee jitters.

Research indicates that dark chocolate has positive effects on health. The magnesium content in chocolate aids in reducing stress and anxiety. Similar to berries, dark chocolate contains flavonoids that can help preserve cognitive function.

Furthermore, indulging in a piece of dark chocolate can reduce stress levels and improve mood, as this mineral plays a significant role in lowering cortisol, the stress hormone. So, if you're considering rewarding your employees with a small treat, dark chocolate is always a reliable choice. This high density of the cacao activates brain neuroplasticity, which increases cognitive function. 

 

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​6. Greek Yogurt

Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt serves as an excellent office snack due to its high protein content, providing you and your team with a valuable energy boost. Furthermore, it is rich in probiotics, which enhance the immune system and alleviate digestive problems. Additionally, it contains vitamin B12, supporting red blood cells, brain function, and DNA synthesis.

 

Beyond these mentioned advantages, this exceptional snack also contains tyrosine, an amino acid responsible for the production of both dopamine and noradrenaline. These neurotransmitters play a role in enhancing mood and behaviour. Therefore, if you aim to enhance workplace productivity, this could be the ideal choice to ensure your employees are in their best state of mind and performance.

 

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​7. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a classic snack that can be enjoyed at the workplace, at home, or whenever it suits your preference. To begin with, a single serving of oatmeal (approximately half a cup of dried oats) provides more than 70% of your daily iron intake, 20% of vitamin A, and 35% of vitamin B-6, in addition to carbohydrates and fiber. For optimal productivity, it's essential to maintain around 25 grams of glucose in the bloodstream, and a bowl of oatmeal in the office can help achieve this goal. But how does it work? When you aim to maximize your performance, ensuring your blood sugar levels are sufficiently high is crucial. When their blood sugar is at a level that provides abundant energy, they are naturally more likely to perform at their best.

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