We all know how important healthy eating habits are for maintaining sound physical and mental health. It is also worth taking note that they have an enormous impact on our productivity.
A balanced diet regulates our energy, giving us the necessary fuel to keep going for the long haul. Additionally, it helps us become more focused and motivated which are the essential qualities of an effective leader.
If you are a young leader who struggles to stay productive at times, this blog is for you. We will share some healthy eating habits to unlock your full potential and reach peak productivity. Let’s get started!
Give Your Body Enough Nutrition
Nutrition plays a significant part in how you function. Thus, it is important to always include nutrient-dense food that will improve your performance and productivity. Look for those rich in these nutrients:
Protein
Lutein
Carbs
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
B Vitamins
Magnesium
Antioxidants and Flavonoids
However, please note that you may need to consult a dietitian or nutritionist if you have certain dietary issues or concerns.
Never Skip Breakfast
Young leaders always try to find ways to have an organized daily life. But this task alone requires them to have sufficient energy levels to be successful. That’s what a healthy breakfast can provide.
If you don’t know yet, your mind and body still work as you sleep. And given that it can only function with sufficient energy, you’ll need more—through breakfast—to jumpstart the day. A healthy breakfast can fuel your entire body with the nutrients you’ll need to function efficiently throughout the day.
Accordingly, it’s crucial for young leaders never to skip breakfast, as this can build the foundation for a productive day. They’ll be able to concentrate more on every task at hand and finish them effectively.
Eat Small Portion Meals Frequently
Do not think that once you have that nice healthy breakfast, you’ll just eat nothing until lunchtime. While it’s easy to forget that your body needs enough nutrients to accomplish demanding tasks, you must always ensure you have nutritious snacks available. Consume them frequently to fuel your body and keep your concentration and energy at an optimal level.
Aim to eat at least every three to four hours. But avoid heavy and sugary meals. They will just increase your glucose levels before depleting your energy, resulting in tiredness and loss of concentration.
Instead, choose wholesome snacks like low-sugar flapjacks, plain yogurt, and seeds. These foods can help stabilize your blood sugar levels to keep you concentrated and more productive throughout the day.
Don’t Eat Heavy Lunch Meals
If it’s time for lunch, only eat light meals. Do not overindulge in a heavy, high-calorie meal, as it will just make you feel lethargic due to the energy used to digest all the food you eat. As a result, you might end up not doing the task after all.
You need to have light lunches with a balanced mix of lean protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Having light lunches like this can help you maintain a steady level of energy and alertness to do the tasks effectively in the afternoon.
Do Not Let Yourself Starve
Reducing alcohol and caffeine is also essential because both substances can cause the body to become dehydrated. If you don’t know yet, dehydration can affect your cognitive performance. As a result, you may be prone to errors and lose your focus on the important tasks you have to finish.
Besides dehydration, alcohol and caffeine may also interrupt your sleep. And we already know how sleep is very critical to keep your mind sharp. If you don’t have adequate rest, your mind and body can feel fatigued as you wake up. You won’t be able to focus and think clearly. This can be detrimental to your productivity.
Stay Hydrated
You already know how it’s very crucial to stay hydrated. There’s only one liquid substance that can hydrate you—water.
Just as how plants wilt without enough water, you as well, won’t have enough energy to accomplish all your tasks when you’re dehydrated. This is because your bodily fluids are responsible for digestion, circulation, keeping a normal body temperature, and many more. A fluid loss of just 1-3% can already impair your brain and body performance.
Given this, you must always have a large water bottle wherever you go and take a sip from it frequently as you work. Aim for approximately 2 liters a day to ensure you keep your mental and physical health in a nice condition. You may need to consult a doctor if you have certain issues. People with Kidney issues are particularly recommended to limit their water intake.
Final Thoughts
You can benefit immensely from developing and maintaining healthy eating habits. It will give you the energy you’ll need to stay productive. By following our tips, you’ll have the drive to do everything you need to achieve your goals as a young leader.
