Are you finding yourself yawning half way through the day? Healthier lunch options may help to alleviate the desire for an afternoon cat nap.
Lunches can be hard, but never fear! Women’s Post has you covered with some healthy options for your lunch. These foods will keep you healthy, restore your energy, and ultimately help you be more productive on the job. According to the Mental Health Foundation, nearly two-thirds of those who do not report daily mental health problems eat fresh fruit each day. Foods that have high levels of trans-fats and additive properties can damage brain function and lower productivity.
Trans-fats weaken the physical structure of the brain, which decreases memory and brain function as well as causes lower levels of physical energy. A study by the Mental Health Foundation concluded that additive properties can be dangerous to the body at work because
“when the brain is ‘flooded’ by an artificial influx of a neurotransmitter (for example, adrenaline triggered by a strong coffee), the brain’s receptors respond by ‘closing down’ until the excess is metabolized away.”
Eating fresh fruits, veggies, and healthy snack options instead of drinking coffee and eating sugary snacks will maintain your energy levels better. If you are enticed to make the change to a healthier lifestyle, here are some tips that can make lunch stress-free.
Advice from a girl guide: always be prepared
Preparing meals in advance saves time during a busy week inundated with meetings and long commutes. Taking an hour on Sunday evening to prepare an assortment of vegetables and fruits make it easier to grab them before heading out the door. Preparing food in advance also helps to use more of the fruits and vegetables that are purchased because they are pre-divided for consumption.
Cutting cucumbers, carrots and peppers, mango, cantaloupe, and other fruits and veggies in advance helps to make them more edible and simple to prep before work. Try preparing a large bowl of salad without adding dressing and then distributing it into containers for the week. Another source of preparation is making smoothies and freezing them, then allotting a daily portion into a reusable container for a snack on the job.
It’s all in the containers
Purchasing containers that have several compartments is a great way to bring fresh foods to work instead of packaged options. Without reliable modes of transportation for our healthy options, spills or rotting can occur. Bento boxes are a great to use for transferring fresh fruits and veggies without spilling it on the streetcar.
Mason jars are also a great type of container to use for fresh foods. The jars are sealed and extremely useful for pre-divided salads, yogurt and granola or cold pastas with a delicious sauce. Plus, they look really nice when placed strategically on your desk.
Homemade goodies vs. packaged goods
Homemade snacks are a healthier option that pre-packaged foods and are even more delicious when fresh. When cutting veggies and fruits for the week, preparing a few easy snacks can help when you get the munchies while at the office. Curried cashews are an easy and delicious option; simply douse the nuts in curry powder. Homemade granola bars are also an easy choice, combining a number of simple ingredients such as oats and bananas and then freezing it for a treat during the week.
Eating a healthy lunch helps restore energy at the workplace, changes eating habits to make better food choices, and alleviates symptoms of depression or exhaustion during the day. Next time you are the grocery, challenge yourself to buy as much fresh food as possible, and don’t forget the jars!
