We all want to have a productive day at work, but sometimes the food we eat prevents us from doing so. Some have decided to rather not eat at work, choosing to drink copious amounts of coffee to cope, while others have found a solution- eating foods that will help them stay productive. Food and Health blogger, Jordyn Muirhead lists the foods we should eat more of at work.
Berries
(raspberries, blueberries, strawberries)
(170714) -- XUANEN, July 14, 2017 (Xinhua) -- A villager from Liangfeng Village of Jiaoyuan Town in Xuanen County of central China's Hubei Province selects the raspberries which are picked just now, July 14, 2017. Since raspberries are hard to be stored under normal temperature, villagers in Xuanen will bring them to cooperative and freeze them together before they transport to sales. (Xinhua/Song Wen) (lx) These are high source antioxidants and have low sugar content so they won’t spike your blood sugar levels too much.
Salmon-fatty fishes
They are part of the brain food. You need to get those omega 3 fatty acids from fish or fish oils. Fish oils improve mental performance, memory and are said to help with depression.
Dark chocolate or cacao powder
Dark chocolate improves focus and is a source of caffeine and magnesium so it boosts energy short term and may help you remain calm throughout your stressful day at the office.
Bananas
Bananas are actually a source of healthy carbs and carbs are an excellent source of energy. They cause a release of glucose in the body and higher glucose means more energy plus they are much healthier than other carb sources and sugars.
FRUIT: Avo can be included at breakfast, lunch or dinner
This is another source of healthy fats. Avocado stimulates healthy blood flow around the body and to the brain. It also improves your ability to focus.
Eggs
Eggs are a brilliant source of protein plus egg whites are high in B vitamins, selenium, zinc, iron and vitamin D. Vitamin D affects how your body absorbs and secrets calcium so increasing your vitamin D will positively affect your calcium levels and remember calcium affects your sleep.
“Eating these good foods will balance your hormones which will improve your mood, ability to focus, memory, ability to build muscle, endurance level and improve your energy level. Taking time to prepare your meals yourself and being mindful of the foods you are using to fuel your body will help you gain control over your life, how your body behaves, performs, your happiness and also what your body looks like”, she said.
Protein and Oat Pancakes
(Serves 2)
Here is a recipe from Jordyn you can try at home using an egg and banana, one of the food items mentioned above that help maximize performance.
Pancakes
1 cup oats
2 bananas
4 tbsp protein powder (or 4 tbsp of oats)
1 egg
3 egg whites
2 tsp baking powder
½ cup almond milk
Blend all ingredients in a blender until you get a light batter.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat.
Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake.
Brown on both sides and serve hot.