Did you know that the kind of food your employees eat affects how well they perform in the office?
Like a car engine, our bodies need the right fuel to run smoothly. And this isn’t just some random opinion we got online. It’s a well-supported fact backed by experts at Harvard Business Review.
Based on a report by HBR, food has a direct impact on cognitive performance. This means that, while most people don’t remember what they ate for lunch on a “productive” workday, missing this meal can derail what could have been their best performance.
In another study, employees with unhealthy diets were also 66 percent more likely to experience productivity loss than those who ate fruits, vegetables, grains, and other healthy foods. This means that your choice of food to keep in the office pantry has a significant effect on your employees’ productivity.
Consider these six healthy and tasty snacks recommended by Bidfood (top food suppliers in Dubai) that your office pantry should always have:
Considered as a “superfood,” Greek yogurt is an excellent office snack packed with energy-boosting protein. Best consumed plain and unsweetened, this dairy food also contains probiotics that help reduce stomach issues and boosts immunity. It is a rich source of Vitamin B12 that is crucial for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and brain functions.
Aside from these, yogurt also contains the amino acid tyrosine. This produces noradrenaline and dopamine, the neurotransmitters responsible for boosting a person’s mood and behavior. So, if workplace productivity is what you want, yogurt is the perfect workplace snack that should never run out in your office pantry.
If you’re looking for non-perishable food items for on-the-go snacking, you should stock up on trail mix in the office.
Typically made up of dried fruit and nuts, trail mixes contain lots of nutrients and fat that help you and your employees get a balanced source of three macronutrients – protein, healthy fat, and carbs – in a single snack. This is because every type of nut and dried fruit contains various levels of nutrients.
The best part is that trail mixes also help keep you full in between meals. Even a portion the size of a golf ball is enough to provide employees with energy to get going throughout the day without sacrificing their health.
Are there such things as healthy carbs and good fat? Believe it or not, there is.
Avocado and brown rice cakes are excellent additions to your workplace’s kitchen shelf.
A single brown rice cake weighing about 19 grams provides 4 percent of the Daily Value of fiber you need. It also contains 14 grams of carbohydrates with just 60 calories.
Meanwhile, avocado is a rich source of healthy fat. It also contains lots of fiber, making it a wonderful addition to your employees’ diet.
Slice or mash this delicious fruit and spread it on the rice cake for a delicious, filling, and healthy nibble. Just remember to go for rice cakes made with just rice and salt – no unnecessary ingredients – to get the most from the snack.
Do your employees need a protein power-up to get through their hustles for the day? Jerky is an excellent alternative to foods containing chilled or fresh meat and is perfect for quick snacking while offering the same health benefits your staff needs.
This shelf-stable snack is rich in protein and can satisfy your employees’ hunger longer. In fact, a single ounce (or 28 grams) of beef jerky already has 8 grams of protein and just 70 calories. It is also packed with iron that helps keep your energy levels up and your blood healthy.
Pro Tip: Buy uncured jerky that is low in sodium and prepared with minimal ingredients. Also, provide more choices for employees who don’t eat red meat, such as salmon, chicken, and turkey jerky.
Are your employees fond of chips and crackers? Consider offering them a healthier alternative in the form of roasted seaweed.
Besides being crunchy and savory, this snack is loaded with vitamins (particularly A, B complex, C, E, and K) and minerals. It also serves as a low-calorie option and contains lots of fiber.
Like trail mix, granola bars make an excellent on-the-go snack. Aside from being easy to eat (simply unwrap and take a bite), they also contain plenty of nutrients that can help your employees get through a hectic workday.
Depending on what it is made from, a granola bar can be an excellent fiber and protein source. It is generally made of honey, dried fruits, nuts, and rolled oats – all of which provide a much-needed energy boost.
However, you might want to let your employees make their own granola bars as many store-bought varieties contain added sugars and unhealthy oils that can increase your risk of inflammation and other diseases. These may also cause sluggishness or a “crash” after a sugar rush.
Fortunately, this healthy snack is easy to prepare, especially if your office has the right tools and food preparation equipment. Here is a three-step granola bar preparation process you can share with them:
Rather than forbidding office snacking, business owners and managers should encourage it. By stocking up your pantry with healthy snacks distributed by Bidfood, you boost your employees’ health and ensure their productivity as well. Contact us for your food and beverage needs.
