5 Brain Foods to Help With Productivity Throughout The Work Day

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Many believe that if they are looking to curb their massive hunger throughout their day, especially at work, then they can snack on just about anything and they will be ok. The truth is, taking time to understand what you are going to be consuming throughout the day between the three major meals is key. You want to be sure that you are consuming foods that will still allow you to be as productive as possible while allowing you to maintain focus and relaxation as well. Some of the best and most effective foods may surprise you, as they aren’t necessarily the ideal snack that many would choose.

Don’t get lost in the thoughts of yesteryear of believing that healthy snacks are only rice cakes and chalky tasting drinks. Take a moment and walk into a health food store and see all of the remarkable options available. After reading this article, it’s sure that you’ll look at eating healthy snacks to keep your level of productivity and accomplishment steady at work, will change. It’ll be a much more inclusive list I’m sure. Tasty reading.

Below are 5 brain foods that can help you maintain productivity throughout your work day:

1. Blueberries

Blueberries are a fruit that are rich in antioxidants and tasty. They are very popular and grown in abundance commercially in North America and Europe. There are two different types of blueberries, highbush and lowbush. Lowbush blueberries are considered healthier and are almost always sweeter than their cousins, highbush blueberries. They are also called wild blueberries and thrive in the colder regions of the country. Probably one of the most important facts about blueberries is there benefit for improving memory.

A common way for blueberries to be consumed besides eating them outright is by adding them into yogurt with a bit of granola. You may also make it a point to consume blueberry muffins as a great snack and alternative to the unhealthier snack cakes. However, if you want something that’s an easy pick-up and go or easy to make without baking, then consider a blueberry granola bar. There are even recipes for making these bars without baking them. This berry isn’t just tasty but it is also low in calories and fat and provide a decent amount of fiber.

2. Rosemary Eats & Drinks

Rosemary is a woody evergreen herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has needle-like leaves that are fine and is one of the most commonly found herbs in a spice rack. It’s considered to have a warm taste that offers a superb taste to the dishes in which it is used, while also being able to provide a pleasing aromatic appeal in any room in which it is placed. It’s prevalent in Italian culture and was considered to be very sacred amongst the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, and Hebrews. It has also been referred to as ‘Dew of the Sea’ and ‘Old Man’. Rosemary is also known for its high reserves of vitamins A, C & B6, as well as its mineral reserves of magnesium and iron, to name a few (www.USDA.gov).

Some popular ways to include rosemary in your day to day diet can vary from muffins such as lavender and rosemary, biscuits such as rosemary and cheddar or even on popcorn. An additional way that you can consume rosemary is in beverages as well. Take a moment and step out of your comfort zone and try a lemon rosemary tea, or a rosemary lemonade. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how tasteful they are, plus you’re drinking a healthy elixir.

3. Coconut Oil & Snacks

A great way to provide additional energy to your workday naturally is through coconut oil. There are several health benefits to coconut oil in addition to increasing your energy. Coconut oil is great for skin care as well as strengthening your hair. It can be eaten, used in topical care as well as consumed in beverages. A study in 2016 showed that 50 percent of the fats found in coconut oil are medium chain triglycerides (MCT’s). These acids are absorbed easily by the intestine and can be used by the body to produce energy (2016 Coconut Oil Study).

So what are some tasty ways to get coconut oil into your system that you can enjoy during your workday? Well, from having snacks such as protein bars that are made with coconut oil to popcorn tossed in coconut oil instead of butter. There are even dehydrated coconut chips which are loaded with coconut oil and are as tasty as they are healthy for you. You also have the option of buying coconut oil and creating your own wonderful snacks. Explore a bit, there are many recipes available for the home cook available online.

4. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate, also known as black chocolate, is made from cocoa butter instead of milk-based butter. It contains a higher level of cocoa or cacao, around 60% to 99%. Cocoa contains more phenolic antioxidants than most foods and it is the high cocoa content in this chocolate that makes it a superior antioxidant. Dark chocolate is also great as a is a rich source of minerals such as manganese, magnesium, iron, and copper. It is also a great source for improving heart health by reducing blood pressure and decreasing the possibility of heart ailments. Eating a delicious piece of chocolate can possibly reduce stress levels. It works by stimulating the production of endorphins that may give rise to a happy feeling. In addition, the dark variety of chocolate contains stimulants such as theobromine and caffeine, which are known to be major stimulants in reducing depression (Dark Chocolate & Mood Enhancement).

If you care to have a nice snack with a simple dynamic, look into doing a dark chocolate bark with walnuts and dried cherries. Besides the mood-enhancing benefits of the dark chocolate, the walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and the dried cherries are an excellent source of fiber and minerals. Not into bark then try a very simple vegan pot de creme recipe made with coconut cream. It simply provides the benefit of dark chocolate and hot coconut cream, in which you’ll receive the benefits of the MCT from the coconut, and it’s a delightful treat.

5. Coffee

Coffee is a brewed beverage prepared from the roasted beans of its plant. This plant is native to Ethiopia and Sudan in Africa and also stretches its origin in regions like Madagascar, Mauritius, and Comoros. Coffee has several health benefits such as B-family vitamins, potassium, manganese, and magnesium. It can help to increase energy, improve concentration and some studies have even shown that it helps to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s. On top of all of those things, coffee can be quite enjoyable.

Beyond the standard coffee consumption in a mug, there are other ways to get the effects of this drinkable healthy option. One of the most common ways to enjoy the coffee without having to drink a hot cup every day is by eating chocolate covered espresso beans. They can be picked up from any coffee shop or grocery store. You can also make brownies with ground espresso in it. The benefits of coffee can be easily enjoyed and made accessible at your desk in the office.

What are a few healthy snacks that help you stay focused and be more productive at work? Share your favorite snacks below.

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