Productivity hacks help people work better and faster, but don’t neglect the most basic of them all—the fuel you choose so your mind and body can perform at their best.
We’re talking lunch. You might be fortunate enough to be able to order productivity-boosting meals at your company cafeteria or nearby grab ’n’ go, but there’s no surer source than your own kitchen. What are the best nutritional building blocks? Eat This, Not That offers 20 foods that will increase your productivity. Strawberries, blueberries, spinach, avocados, green tea and pecans made the list.
Pecans, for example, improve energy levels, and avos protect brain cells called astrocytes.
More: 12 Inspired Food Bar Ideas
Here are a few ideas for an energy-fueled lunch.
Bento Box
Bento boxes, a Japanese classic, resemble the protein box at Starbucks. Everything is one place and no more wondering if anything got left behind. A Google search on Bento box ideas will yield a host of ideas.
Spinach and Apple Salad
Ingredients
- Spinach or lettuce
- Apples
- Pomegranate seeds, homemade apple cider dressing; add cheese if you prefer
Alternative to PB&J: Bananas and Peanut Butter Sando
Organic whole wheat is the healthiest choice of bread unless you are gluten-free. Peanut butter is a good source of antioxidants, iron, magnesium and fiber.
Burrito Bowls
This meal is easy to master. All you need is lettuce, rice, canned black or brown beans, salsa and canned corn, all of which you place in a bowl.
Beverages
You already know that water and a low-sugar beverage are good bets, but have you tried coconut water? It’s an all-natural source of hydration and potassium, one of the most important minerals in the body.
