7 Easy Ways to Bring Brain Foods Into the Break Room
Posted by Sara on Tuesday, December 10th, 2013 with Comments Off on 7 Easy Ways to Bring Brain Foods Into the Break Room Comments
Green tea is a better choice for a caffeine fix. Image source: flickr user vordichtung
We’ve all seen it. It’s mid-day at the office, and everyone’s energy is dropping. Employees are reaching for their third or fourth coffee and a sugary muffin to get through the rest of the day. Unfortunately, this boost will only lead to another crash later in the afternoon.
Does this sound familiar? If you’re looking to improve efficiency and energy levels at the office, don’t send out a memo or buy a bigger coffee pot. Healthier snacks can help employees get through the day with energy to spare. We’ve collected seven of the best brain foods that are easy to incorporate into the company breakroom. These natural brain-function boosters may improve memory, focus, concentration — and employee morale.
1) Salmon
Salmon, along with sardines and other oily fish, is a rich source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These essential nutrients (i.e., they must be supplied by our diet) have been linked to improved focus and memory, along with a lower risk of dementia. Instead of a box of doughnuts for a staff breakfast, spring for cured salmon to top bagels (or, better yet, whole-wheat toast).
Blueberries can boost cognitive function. Image source: flickr user FromSandtoGlass
2) Berries
Blueberries and strawberries may win the prize for best brain food. In one key study, women who consumed as little as half a cup of blueberries per week slowed down their natural cognitive decline by an average of two years! Researchers believe the flavonoid anthocyanidin is key, as the compound seems to travel from the blood into the brain tissue, specifically around the hippocampus — the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning. In the break room, keep a big clamshell of fresh blueberries on hand for snacking, or stash a bag of frozen berries for yogurt toppings and smoothie add-ins.
3) Ground Flaxseed
Along with walnuts, flaxseed is one of the dietary sources of alpha linolenic acid, or ALA. This healthy fat is the vegetable-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, similar to those found in salmon, and has similar benefits of improving memory and focus. Keep a dish of ground flaxseed (the whole seed won’t be digested properly) in the refrigerator and encourage coworkers to sprinkle it on salads or morning yogurt for an easy dose of brain power!
4) Green Tea
We all know that caffeine boosts concentration, but there are better ways than coffee to access its benefits. Green tea not only provides the same mental stimulation as coffee; it contains specific antioxidants, phylophenols, that can add an extra boost of concentration. Stock the coffee station with tea bags, or brew a pitcher of iced green tea for a refreshing afternoon treat. Add a few orange slices for sweetness.
Whole grains don’t have to be dull! Image source: flickr user psgreen01
5) Whole Grains
At the very basic level, our brains need glucose to function. Glucose is the natural sugar found in carbohydrates, but it will be released into the bloodstream slowly and steadily when you eat whole grains — rather than the crash-and-burn effect of many over-processed breads and muffins. Stock the break room with easy, tasty whole grains like oatmeal and even popcorn for a sustainable energy supply (just check the labels carefully for impostors).
6) Eggs
Don’t skip the yolks! Eggs, specifically their yolks, are a rich source of choline — a nutrient that helps the body produce acetylcholine, a memory-boosting neurotransmitter. Easily microwaved in a coffee mug or hardboiled and stored in the fridge, keeping eggs in the break room is a surefire way to ensure your employees never skip breakfast… another brain-boosting strategy.
Roasted pumpkin seeds are a brain-boosting snack. Image source: flickr user jaxzin
7) Pumpkin Seeds
This seasonal treat deserves to be a year-round staple: it’s one of the best dietary sources of zinc, a mineral associated with increased focus and concentration. For added variety, supply a bowl of pumpkin seeds, cashews, and almonds for a zinc-rich snack mix.
When it comes to feeding employees and coworkers, make your company’s food program really count! If your workplace dining plan needs to take it up a notch — or if you don’t have one at all — Waiter.com is here to help. From virtual cafeteria service to diverse menus to local takeout & delivery, Waiter.com offers customizable dining solutions for every business and budget. Contact us today to get started!
When it comes to feeding employees and coworkers, make your company's food program really count! If your workplace dining plan needs to take it up a notch — or if you don't have one at all — Waiter.com is here to help. From Virtual Cafeteria Service to diverse menus to local takeout & delivery, Waiter.com offers customizable dining solutions for every business and budget. Contact us today to get started!
