What you should eat to get the most out of your brain

Be Fit Food chief executive officer and co-founder Kate Save. Source: Supplied. People in the workplace are becoming more aware of the string of health issues associated with a poor diet, but they’re less aware of the enormous impact our diet can have on our performance at work. The brain uses approximately 20% of our required energy, so it needs a constant source of fuel to function at an optimal level. And while most of what we hear about poor eating relates to consuming in excess, what’s worrying for the Aussie workforce is people are not eating enough of the right things. A recent study into the habits of Australian workers found one in 10 Aussies skip lunch altogether. It makes sense — when we’re busy and stressed, we sometimes tell ourselves it’s better to skip lunch to just get the work done. But what is actually happening is we’re doing more harm to our performance in the long run. In fact, a report by the International Labour Organization found poor diet on the job is costing businesses up to 20% in lost productivity. That’s because a lack of nutritious food can lead to fatigue, provoke irritability, decrease energy levels, increase stress and reduce our ability to think clearly and work effectively. A well-balanced, nutritionally fuelled diet can provide a valuable boost to workplace performance and subsequent long-term success by increasing energy levels, brain power, productivity and focus, and improving how we manage stress. There are particular nutrients that are important for brain functionality, and if you can pack most of these into your meals throughout the day, you’ll be on track to success. Protein Next to water, protein makes up most of the weight of our bodies as our muscles, organs, hair, nails and ligaments are all composed […]

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