Foods That Help Boost Productivity

There are many things that people mention to help boost productivity, from reducing distractions around you to getting a good night’s rest. In this article, though, the focus is on foods and juices.

Everyone is prone to exhaustion on workdays, and naps and coffee can certainly help with that. But there are also several foods that instantly boost your energy and are good for your health, too. Naturally, these are mostly plant-based. Since it’s important to stay hydrated as well, many things listed here are in the form of juice, which also makes them easier to consume while on the go. What matters, of course, is that the juices are fresh and not processed.

Starting with the foods…

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate naturally contains caffeine, which helps you stay awake and alert throughout the day. It’s also much higher in cocoa solids than the milk chocolate we commonly enjoy, which makes it a healthier alternative that’s low on sugar. In fact, it has plenty of health benefits of its own.

Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, helps lower blood pressure and improve blood flow, enhances your brain power and memory, and may even lower your odds of heart disease. What better dessert than one that’s so healthy?

That’s not to say it should be eaten in excess, of course. At the end of the day, too much of anything can be harmful.

 

Dark Chocolate

Yogurt

Yogurt is a widely used dairy product, and for good reason. It’s extremely versatile, meaning it can be used in a variety of foods and condiments, or even as a condiment on its own. You can add it to salad dressings, use it to make creamier soup, or even eat it with roasted vegetables.

Yogurt makes for an extremely healthy addition to any meal, or even a snack on its own. Anyone can eat it, too — it doesn’t contain lactose, so even those with lactose intolerance need not steer clear of it like with other dairy products. Yogurt is rich in several nutrients, including calcium, potassium, and vitamin B12, and the probiotics it contains may directly impact brain function; they help deal with things like anxiety and stress and lift your mood along with it.

yogurt with fruits

Ginger

Ginger is a spice that’s rich in a wide range of nutrients: protein, carbohydrates, iron, vitamin C, potassium and more. It can be eaten on its own, juiced, consumed in oil form, and even used to enhance a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory; from maple syrup to dishes featuring meat and vegetables.

Ginger has been found to promote natural energy through adrenaline secretion, which helps you feel more awake and alert, therefore aiding productivity. It also helps with seasonal illnesses like colds, reduces cholesterol, and improves cognitive function.

Simply adding it to any of your meals can be a useful change to your diet.

 

ginger and lemons

Almonds

Almonds are another versatile food that are convenient and easy to snack on. They’re a great source of vitamin B, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and niacin, among other nutrients. Aside from eating whole almonds as a snack, you can also incorporate them in various dishes. They work as an ingredient in smoothies, soups, sauces, and even fruit salads or other savory dishes. You may even want to try out making homemade almond butter.

Almonds are high in fiber and protein, making you feel full quicker and therefore reducing calorie intake. They also lower your risk of heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and enhance your brain patterns, memory, and overall intelligence.

 

almonds

 

Now, onto the juices…

Carrot Juice

Carrots are root vegetables that are very rich in nutrients and therefore have several health benefits. They’re often suggested when it comes to improving vision, but they have other benefits as well.

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a source of vitamin A which helps oxygenate your blood. They’re also a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and folate (which does many things, including converting carbohydrates into energy), and promote skin, heart, and brain health. The latter is also tied to the beta-carotene that carrots contain. It should take 5-10 carrots to make one glass of juice.

 

glasses of carrot juice

Beetroot Juice

Beetroot juice isn’t exactly the most appealing of juices due to its distinctive taste, but you can always add apple juice to make it more tolerable. Beetroots are low in fat, rich in vitamin C , full of powerful antioxidants, , and help in the absorption of iron. This also makes them a great way to detox naturally.

Beetroot juice may help lower blood pressure and maintain a healthy weight, and it also improves energy and stamina. This is because it increases plasma nitrate levels. As a result, some suggest having it early in the morning to help you feel more awake.

 

beetroots with juice

Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranates may be high in sugar and calories, but they’re equally rich in antioxidants. In fact, they’ve been used as medicine for thousands of years. They’re also rich in vitamins, from vitamins C, E, and K to folate and potassium, making them antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Finally, they have been shown to improve memory, learning, endurance, and even sports performance. Just draining 8 ounces a day can do wonders for your health.

 

pomegranate with a glass of juice

Acai Berry Juice

Acai berries are a grape-like fruit with a range of health benefits. For example, they contain anthocyanin in large amounts, which has links to several things. Anthocyanins reduce the risk of heart attack, act as antioxidants, reduce the risk of cancer, and promote brain health. They have also been shown to enhance and improve memory by inhibiting neuroinflammation and improving blood flow to the brain.

With all the benefits these foods have and all the nutrients they contain, there’s little reason not to eat them more often. Instead of drinking coffee, have a bit of dark chocolate. Instead of snacking on junk food, try almonds instead. And, of course, you can always go on a juice cleanse with the juices listed here (and others) to see improvements in both your health and productivity. Whenever you start to feel tired at work, just try one of these foods and juices!

 

Acai Berry Juice