Most people are aware of the fact that what we eat can directly impact how our bodies and minds are capable of performing. Despite this, we can still find ourselves guilty of reaching for a chocolate bar or a biscuit in the middle of the afternoon whilst at work to help get us through, but is this the ideal snack?
Here, Cema Vending take a look at what the right foods for the workplace are and why eating while at work is so important.
Mood boosters
It stands to reason that people will perform better at work when they are happy, and there are many things that you can implement to help achieve. However, it doesn’t all need to be pretty posters and team building activities as the food we eat on a daily basis can also have an impact on our mood.
There have been studies which show that healthy eating can have a positive effect on happiness, whilst foods such as dark chocolate or oily fish, nuts and seeds can also all help to create serotonin which is a proven mood booster.
Productivity
Many people might find they start the day at a slower pace or experience a slump in the middle of the afternoon. This is quite common and can lead to people reaching for something high in sugar to give them an immediate lift. The problem with this is it is usually followed by a crash that makes them feel worse than when they started.
By choosing healthier options for that all important snack, such as fruit, it is possible to moderate the speed at which sugar is being released, ensuring there is a more constant energy flow that takes place over a longer period and does not result in a crash. This can help to ensure that people are more productive for longer periods while they are at work.
Mental clarity
Food can also impact on our cognitive function, with heavy, greasy meals often leaving us feeling sluggish and foggy. Instead diets with brain boosting foods that include omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can enhance our mental clarity and focus which helps us to concentrate.
That means food such as fish, nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables can help people to stay sharp and improve their decision-making processes.
Better health
If an employee has better health, then they are less likely to take sick days and their performance at work will ultimately be improved. Diet can play an active role in this, as good nutrition can be the cornerstone of a robust immune system.
This is because the body is able to provide a better defence against illnesses and can be achieved by consuming a range of fruits and vegetables as well as wholegrains and lean proteins to ensure that it has the right vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to protect against the most common illnesses.
How to help employees eat well
Understanding the importance of eating well and being able to implement it are often two very different things and so it is important that employers take all the measures they can to encourage this habit. Ensuring that you have a range of healthy eating options on site can be a big step towards encouraging your staff to make the right choices for themselves.
This can be done by installing vending machines or micro markets that are capable of stocking fruit, salads, sandwiches, soup and yoghurts as well as the more traditional offerings. You could even subsidise the healthy food options to help people make the shift towards the foods that will be most beneficial for them.
