It often takes effort to stay focused and be productive as a small business owner.
A good diet can go a long way towards making your business a success. Eating the right foods can give you energy, focus and improve your mood, not to mention your health. Drinking coffee will give you a temporary boost of energy and focus, but won’t give you the nutrition you need. Plenty of water is always a good idea no matter your diet.
To help guide you in choosing the best foods for snacks and meals for productivity in business, we’ve listed 15 to get you started. While some of these power foods may not be healthy in large amounts, it goes back to the old saying: everything in moderation. Consider these foods for business success:
- Whole grain bread: Much better than white bread in providing energy and nutrients whether eaten by itself or used for toast or sandwiches.
- Whole wheat pasta: A good source of complex carbohydrates to give your body an energy boost, and can be broken down easily.
- Vegetable juice: Provides a quick energy boost and vegetable servings and the same time.
- Fresh salads with vinaigrette: You may want to opt for fresh vegetables, and using vinaigrette for salads helps the body absorb protein and nutrients longer, which improves focus.
- Bananas: Provide potassium, vitamin C, complex carbohydrates, and energy.
- Avocados: Contain fats that add to heart and brain health, promoting blood flow. Great for sandwiches and salads.
- Eggs: Contain protein and cholin needed for the brain to develop motor functions and memory.
- Apples: Great source of vitamin C to help the blood vessels and overall health. A great snack or addition to salads and other foods.
- Grapes: Inexpensive and healthy. A great source of vitamins A, C, B6 and folate. Also provide magnesium and iron.
- Walnuts: Good source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin B6, and other nutrients for brain health.
- Almonds: Also a good source of vitamins and protein.
- Salmon: Often called “brain food” (as with other fish), a source of good fatty acids and protein for heart and brain health.
- Green tea: Inexpensive source of caffeine, energy and a great mood booster.
- Air-popped popcorn: It may not be the most filling, but a quick snack that’s healthier than potato chips.
- Dark chocolate: It may seem counterintuitive, but when eaten in small amounts can help curb your appetite while helping digestion and improving your mood and focus.
For hundreds of recipe ideas and ratings for these and other foods (including vegetarian), check out All Recipes.
Nutrition.gov is also a great source for nutrition information, including how to read nutrition labels, food preparation and safety, resources for dietary planning, and other information make informed decisions about what to purchase and eat. The above are only a few healthy food ideas to help in your business success – feel free to add your suggestions in the comments section below.
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About the Author: David Cotriss is a business, technology and new media writer, having published 500+ news and feature articles to date worldwide in magazines ranging from PC Magazine to The Industry Standard.
Vegetable Stand Photo via Shutterstock
[“source-smallbiztrends”]