Most of us work an eight hour day. Our eight hours at the office comes from a (very necessary) attempt to cut down on the number of employers who tried to force workers to work 15 hour days back before labor movements.
So here we are. We spend eight hours a day (at least) at the office. But do you know how many hours a day that you’re actually productive? According to one study: it’s 2 hours and 53 minutes.
So how do you make the most of those hours? Providing brain fuel foods to help your team stay focused and productive.
What foods should you keep stocked in your office kitchen? Here are ten good options.
1. Fish
Let’s start with the one you least expect: fish.
Tuna, salmon, and other oily fish are chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are critical for brain function. The combination of the fat and protein content also keeps you full, so you won’t get the 2:30 PM munchies.
Keep canned fish around for workers to enjoy when they forget their lunch or just as a snack.
Splurge: Are you catering a team breakfast? Smoked salmon is a fantastic choice, and it’s delicious.
2. Pumpkin Seeds
Seeds and nuts are great in general, but pumpkin seeds are both tasty and full of zinc. Zinc improves memory and mental agility by helping your brain cells communicate.
You can buy them in bulk packages and as part of granola or nut bars!
3. Blueberries
When blueberries are in season, why not buy them in bulk?
Blueberries are similar to pumpkin seeds in that they contribute to memory and general cognition.
Fresh blueberries are a great choice, but if they’re out of season (harvest runs from April to September), try buying them in other products, like snack bars. Just be sure not to buy anything with too much sugar!
4. Broccoli
Okay, how are you going to serve broccoli at work? Isn’t it just going to spoil in the fridge?
While there’s nothing better than chopped broccoli and hummus, we live in a mad, mad world of food research and development. And you can now buy broccoli in less fussy forms, like broccoli crisps.
There are great for boosting brain power without prep time or waste.
Can’t find broccoli products in your local store? Try kale or spinach chips instead.
5. Beets and Root Vegetables
The same promise offered by broccoli is true for beets and other root vegetables.
Root vegetables provide you with complex carbs and all sorts of vitamins and minerals. And you can easily buy them in snack form (think chips). So, skip the Ruffles (except for special occasions) and bring in these healthier, brain-boosting options instead.
These are also exceptional items to stock in your HealthyYou vending machine.
6. Walnuts
Nuts, in general, are great for your brain, but walnuts take the cake (yeah, we know they’re not cake).
Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which makes them great for your vegetarian and vegan colleagues. They’re also full of antioxidants, and they feed the healthy bacteria in your gut. They can even help promote lower blood pressure.
All of these things will help keep your employees happy and healthy both at work and at home.
7. Fruit and Veggie Trays
Processed health foods are great for quick snacks and for keeping foods with a good shelf-life. But if you’re running a meeting, why not bring in some fresh fruit and veggie trays?
These aren’t everyday purchases unless your team is all committed veggie lovers. The last thing you want to do is waste food.
What should you include on your trays? You need:
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Citrus fruits
- Other berries
Want to kick it up a notch? Why not make a dark chocolate dip for your fruit tray? It’s a treat, but dark chocolate also adds some extra brainpower.
8. Yogurt
Keep some low-sugar yogurts in the fridge for employees to snack on at will or for breakfasts.
Yogurt promotes healthy gut bacteria cultures. And your gut health impacts your brain health.
Look for yogurts with plenty of probiotics and low sugar for maximum impact.
Don’t forget to buy a few different brands at first. Your employees may have preferences for texture and consistency, so you’ll find out what’s popular quickly.
9. Cheese and Crackers
Do you get enough vitamin cheese?.
There is some evidence that cheese can prevent your brain from aging, which is frankly, music to our ears.
Cheese is also a great source of healthy fat and protein, when eaten in moderation.
Combine it with some whole grain crackers and some fruit for a great meeting snack.
10. Chips and Guacamole
Avocado is another incredible source of omega fatty acids, and it’s also veggie-friendly. What’s the best way to deliver avocados en masse? It’s guacamole, obviously. (We don’t make the rules.)
You can buy guacamole in snack packs, but that does come with some waste. So, consider either buying it in big tubs or even designating an official office guac chef. It will give them something to do to take a break and then be more productive later.
Of course, you can eat guacamole with fresh vegetables, but pita chips or corn chips are the way to show your employees you truly care.
Brain Fuel Foods Make All the Difference
Why fill your office with junk foods that ruin productivity when you could stock the shelves with brain fuel foods?
Your team may be in the office eight hours a day, but they only focus for less than half of that time. Stocking foods like blueberries, cheese, and walnuts can help.
Are you looking for more articles on productivity? Check out our lifestyle archive for more.
