8 Diet tricks to increase productivity at work

Food For Thought: 8 Diet tricks to increase productivity at work

Lim Han

10 Apr 2017

updated the 11 April 2017 à 14:25

Sure, Red Bull gives you wings, but these diet tricks will turn you into a fighter plane.

1/8
Opt for dark chocolate as a snack
Chocolate fans, you have every reason to celebrate – chocolate is actually good for you, if it’s not heavily contaminated by dairy products and refined sugars and in moderate amounts. Luscious dark chocolate is as good for your body as it tastes. Flavanols and antioxidants bolster mental focus and slow down cognitive decline, ensuring that you’re at the top of your game. You can now indulge in good old chocolate without basking in guilt.
2/8
Egg yourself on
If you’ve been cracking your brain all day over an insurmountable problem, maybe, all you need to do is to whip up a sunny-side-up for yourself. Eggs are adored by not only stomachs, but by our brains as well. Its divine protein power recharges our brain while its bank of amino acids fires up neurons to keep us mentally focused.
3/8
Hydrate yourself
The big H2O isn’t just a survival elixir, it’s also an essential brain food. Energising brain cells and improving blood circulation, water will stimulate your brain cells and aid in crystal clear thinking. Not only that, water aids in rebalancing and relaxing your system, ensuring that you get a restful night of sleep. With a fruitful rest, you’ll be recharged to take on the day’s demands.
4/8
Superfood seeds
No, they won’t grow plants in your tummy, but they will engender a growth in brain productivity. Super seeds like hemp hearts contain a wealth of magnesium and amino acids which supports brain functions and diminishes stress and anxiety while chia seeds are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids that reduces brain inflammation.
5/8
Stock up on fruits
These foods of juicy goodness catalyse the production of neurotransmitters that are key actors in our curiosity and engagement. Dive into the divine world of berries which are a smashing brain food, with their brain-protective and anti-inflammatory properties. Avocado lovers, you’ll be thrilled to know that this creamy luscious fruit aids in healthy blood flow, which contributes to a more active mind.
6/8
Eat your greens
Heralded as the top few health foods in the world, is it any wonder that these are good for the brain? Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, vegetables will help to improve your memory and enhance your mood. Dark, leafy greens steal the spotlight here, as they’re packed with minerals and nutrients which bolster learning capacity and motor skills. Back-up dancers like broccoli and eggplant are equally competent with their heaps of vitamin K that enhance cognitive functions and boost brain power.
7/8
Go for foods with low glycemic index
We’re talking about wholesome foods here, with emphasis on the “whole”. Most whole grains and whole wheat products would release glucose at a slower rate, ensuring that you get a steady supply of energy throughout the day. Not only that, these foods keep us full for longer, which negates the temptation to snack on sugar-loaded cookies and chocolates.
8/8
Ditch refined carbs
Sure, they taste like heaven, but they entail hellish consequences for your body. Although they engender a burst of energy with the dramatic spike in blood glucose, this often precedes a languid slump once the sugar rush wears off, resulting in low productivity levels overall. Trust us, you’re better off without the sweets and soda.

Time is ticking. Laptops are closing. Your colleagues are galloping off already. Yet, there you are, slumped in your chair, flooded with a myriad of tasks that are awaiting completion. If you’ve been lagging behind as one of the last few panting runners in the marathon of your daily work, maybe it’s time to take a second look at your diet. What you put in your body has a direct connection with what comes out of it, so, it’s vital that you’re feeding yourself the right foods to back up your brain and unleash the full potential of your proficient mind.

From constant hydration to wholesome eating, there are a plethora of diet tricks that you can incorporate into your daily routine to bolster your productivity. Head up to the gallery to start stimulating your mind. We promise that if you religiously uphold these pieces of advice, you’re on your way to earning a well-deserved trophy in your work marathon.

Lim Han

Photos: Getty Images

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