When we think about the factors that contribute to workplace performance, we rarely give food much consideration. But when you’re busy rushing from one meeting to the next or trying to focus on a task, the last thing you want is for your energy and blood sugar to drop, and your focus to dwindle. The wrong nutrition can mean that your enthusiasm for that pitch can drop in an instant.

To perform at an optimal level, you need to prevent a sudden crash in energy that comes with improper nutrition. The wrong foods can also eat away at your confidence.  

Think back to your most productive workday in the past week. Now ask yourself: what did you eat that day? You will be amazed at the correlation.

Food has a direct impact on our cognitive performance, which is why a poor decision at lunch can derail an entire afternoon.

Good nutrition will make you more productive, energetic and healthier, with a much more positive frame of mind and positive self image. Personally, I feel so much more productive when I take the time to fuel up with the proper nutrients in between meetings.

Here are three tips that I have found to make a huge difference in my own workday:

Micronutrients Matter

Unlike macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fat), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are necessary only in very tiny amounts. But while they may be tiny, but micronutrients are like a magic wand that can cast a healthy spell on all of your body’s systems – from bone growth to brain function!

Getting enough micronutrients isn’t hard if you eat a balanced diet including plenty of nuts, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. I love green leafy veggies – the darker the better – mixed with plenty of colour like red cherries, purple grapes, yellow bananas and orange carrots. The more colourful your diet, the better!

Simple changes like eating fruit salads for dessert instead of sweets, and making sure every meal has at least two veggie sides can go a long way to boosting your brainpower. Also, when you prepare your own homemade meals for lunch, such as soups and salads, you have a lot more control over the micronutrients you eat – many restaurants often skimp to save money.

 

Pressed for Time? Have a Cold-Pressed Juice on Hand

Cold-pressed juices are a great way to deliver a maximum nutritional boost when you are pressed for time. Cold -pressed juices deliver a surge of nutrients within 20 minutes of drinking because they require less digestion time than solid food. If you’re feeling a little sluggish, you’ll feel the nutritional benefits almost immediately!

One of the things I love the most about cold-pressed juices is that it is so difficult to find a healthy snack. Alternatively, cold-pressed juices are one of the most healthy fuel choices for your body! If you don’t have time for a sit-down meal between meetings, you don’t have to forgo nutrients. I love the Thymeless collagen-infused juice https://www.naturesemporium.com . It’s hydrating for my skin, and contains the necessary amino acids to boost collagen- its a drinkable beauty regime in a bottle for that pre meeting skin glow!  

 

Power Up With Breakfast

We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day – for good reason! Starting off with the right foods fuels you up to start your day, and spares glycogen in your muscles (for added for energy) and also for added brainpower!

Opt for low-glycemic carb choices to avoid energy crashes before lunch. Balance this out with protein to stabilize your blood sugar and prevent hunger.

Oatmeal and berries with almond butter, or Greek yogurt with blueberries, nuts and seeds are two of my favourite ways to start the day.