We all get hungry when working away at our desk. What we eat can influence the way we think and work. When we eat fatty, sugary foods, we feel less energetic and get hungry again quickly.
However, when we eat healthy foods, we feel satisfied longer and gain the mental and physical health benefits of their vitamins and nutrients. Many foods stimulate and improve brain function, protect the brain from disorders, and provide vitamins and nutrients the brain and body needs. Here are some snack ideas to bring along next time you go to your Caddo office. A few of these options are even available in our cafe vending machines!
Fish and Whole Grain Crackers
Try canned tuna or salmon on whole grain crackers next time you’re craving a salty snack at the office. Fish is a great source of omega-3 acids, which are used to build brain cells for learning and memory. These acids increase blood flow to the brain, so you can tap into all your best thoughts.
Whole grains are another great source of brain energy, as they are rich in vitamin E. Vitamin E protects brain cells from oxidative stress and improves cognition according to a 2014 study.
Trail Mix
How about trail mix to snack on while you’re cranking out your best work? Nuts are another great source of omega-3s and dark chocolate contains a type of antioxidant called flavonoids.
Antioxidants reduce the risk of brain diseases. A 2018 study found that dark chocolate boosts brain activity. Several other studies have supported these findings. Another perk: chocolate is delicious.
Dark chocolate has more benefits than milk chocolate, as these flavonoids are found in rich concentrations of cacao.
Add pumpkin seeds to your trail mix for a rich source of zinc, magnesium, copper, and iron, all of which improve memory, brain function, and mental health in different ways.
Avocado Toast
The next time someone gets on your case for eating avocado toast, you can tell them it actually helps you do your job. Firstly, the healthy fats in avocados reduce blood pressure. High blood pressure is linked to decreased brain function over time.
Avocados also contain vitamin K, which improves concentration and memory. Try some avocados on whole grain toast or blend them in a smoothie with kale and other greens to take on the go.
Salads
Speaking of kale, pack a delicious salad for your next office lunch. Green vegetables like kale, Swiss chard, spinach, and broccoli contain many great brain boosters, including vitamin K, vitamin C, antioxidants, and glucosinolates.
Coffee with Soy Milk
Finally, another excuse to drink coffee. Caffeine is proven to help improve brain function and supports brain health as it is full of antioxidants.
Add soy milk to your coffee or tea for a boost of polyphenols, another antioxidant that improves cognitive function.
Green Tea
Not a coffee person? That’s okay, we got you. Green tea has you covered for caffeine and contains L-theanine, an amino acid that helps you relax without feeling tired. Green tea also contains polyphenols and antioxidants, which can help protect the brain and prevent Alzheimer’s. Evidence also suggests green tea improves memory.
Blueberries
Coffee or tea is great, but don’t forget the most important meal of the day. Add blueberries to a soy milk yogurt for a healthy breakfast in your Caddo office. Blueberries protect the brain from stress, which there’s no shortage of when working against a deadline. They’re also high in vitamin K, which we already know improves memory.
You could even add blueberries to your trail mix from above for an afternoon snack.
Eggs
If you’re not a yogurt person, you might opt for a hard-boiled egg for breakfast on the go. Eggs are a great source of vitamin B and choline, which both improve brain function, mood, and memory.
Many people don’t get enough choline in their diet, so eating more eggs is a great way to do this. Vitamin B also decreases depression, so you’re doing your mental health a favor too.
Fruit
Add some vitamin C to your breakfast from the most well-known source: an orange. Vitamin C helps prevent brain damage and prevents Alzheimer’s, according to a 2013 study.
Many other fruits, such as apples, strawberries, pineapples, and kiwis, are also rich in vitamin C. There are endless ways you can prepare fruits in salads, smoothies, and other snacks to make eating them more enjoyable.
Mix it Up
Combine some of the brain-friendly ingredients above with your favorites for delicious, nutritious snacks that help you focus.
Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate-dipped oranges (Swap milk to dark chocolate for more cacao benefits)
- Ricotta-Honey Toast with Berries
- Broccoli Cheesy Bread
- Creamy Avocado Dip
Try these, then see what else you can come up with!
The Bottom Line
Overall, many foods can help stimulate the brain, prevent brain disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and keep your stomach full when you’re busy working. When you’re at home or at Caddo, you need to be able to do your best. Healthy eating will help you do your best not just in work, but in all areas of life.
Look for other foods that are rich in vitamins, healthy fats, and omega-3 acids and incorporate a healthy, brain-boosting diet into your everyday life. The great thing about these foods is that they’re also beneficial to the entire body.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is about more than just eating. Staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and taking care of your mental health will also keep your brain at its peak, so you can make the most of your time working.
Having a space to work that feels like your own is also important for getting your best work done. With five locations in North Texas and three different membership options to meet your needs, whatever they are, Caddo is a great place to work, think, and eat healthy snacks.
Book a tour at one of our offices today and find out if Caddo is the right place for you.
