This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
It can be a bit of a struggle to eat healthy when working from home. Boredom can much too easily lead to snacking on foods we probably shouldn’t like chocolates or chips. This in turn can provide a quick burst of energy followed by an inevitable crash.
This is why eating healthy snacks throughout the day is important to keep us feeling energised! By planning ahead and preparing snacks early, it can stop us eating foods that may not be so good for us.
Why healthy snacks are so important
There are certain foods that can help improve productivity. Foods high in fat help to assist with concentration as they provide a slow and steady release of energy throughout the day. Nuts, seeds, avocados and olive oil are all good sources of healthy fats.
In addition to healthy fats, protein is also essential for concentration levels. This is because protein helps to support the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain which are responsible for focus and attention. Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, tofu, legumes and eggs.
Carbohydrates are important as they help to stabilise blood sugar levels. This is important as spikes and dips in blood sugar can lead to feelings of tiredness and lethargy. Complex carbohydrates such as wholegrains are a good choice as they release energy slowly throughout the day.
So, next time you’re working from home and finding it difficult to focus, reach for one of these snacks to help give you the boost you need.
Nuts: Nuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats, both of which are essential for concentration. Walnuts, in particular, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to improve cognitive function.
Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate contains cocoa flavanols, which have been shown to improve blood flow to the brain and improve cognitive function. Just remember, everything in moderation – a little bit of chocolate is okay, but consuming the entire block will provide an unwanted sugar crash.
Blueberries: Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and have been shown to improve memory and cognitive function.
Avocados: Avocados are a good source of healthy fats, which are essential for concentration. They also contain vitamins B6 and C, which have been shown to improve cognitive function.
Eggs: Eggs are a good source of protein and choline, which is a nutrient that has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function.
Green tea: Green tea contains caffeine, which can improve concentration and focus. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has been shown to improve cognitive function.
How often should I be snacking?
It is important to eat regularly throughout the day in order to maintain steady blood sugar levels. This will help you avoid energy highs and lows, which can impact concentration. Make sure to try and have healthy snacks in the fridge and cupboard, otherwise the temptation for junk food becomes too great when you become tired.
Preparation is key!
Healthy snack prepping can be a helpful tool when trying to maintain concentration throughout the day. By preparing snacks ahead of time, you can avoid energy highs and lows which can impact your focus. Planning ahead and pre packing snacks into containers in the fridge, will allow you to have healthy options readily available for those times you don’t want to slow down.
Healthy Snacks delivered to your door
If you think you don’t have the time or just want to add a little variety to your snacks, these companies have some healthy pre-made snacks that you can order to your door. Not only do they make or sell pre-packaged healthy snacks, some also have a range of meals which can be useful for those busy days you don’t have time to make lunch.
It is important to remember that eating healthy is one of the biggest factors that affects concentration. Healthy snacks are just one way in which to take care of yourself throughout the work day, and ensure peak concentration levels are maintained. Next time you are feeling a bit fatigued or that mid afternoon lull creeps in, try one of these snack ideas and see how good you feel afterwards!