Why a Healthy Lunch is Key to Your Afternoon Productivity

If you always feel sluggish during the afternoon hours, your lunch might be to blame. The old adage, “You are what you eat,” perfectly describes the affect your midday meal has on your body. 

A healthy lunch fuels your body the right way, allowing it to process nutrients and use them for energy. On the other hand, poor nutritional habits can cause a myriad of issues that will hinder your productivity, such as fatigue, irritability and an inability to think clearly. If you’re ready to make a positive change, but aren’t sure how to go about it, use the following helpful advice. 

3 Tips to Give Your Lunch Break a Makeover

Stop Eating Out 

Buying lunch at local restaurant is easy  and likely delicious  but it’s terrible for your diet. When you’re not preparing food yourself, you don’t know exactly what’s in it. Many menu items seem healthy on the surface, but contain a surprising number of high fat and high calorie ingredients.  

Additionally, when faced with a menu full of appetizing fare, it can be hard to resist the temptation not to order something unhealthy — especially when you’re hungry. Packing your own lunch requires more time and effort, but it’s well worth it. 

Make Healthy Choices 

Bringing your own lunch from home is the best way to eat healthy, but it’s not foolproof. Simply packing up last night’s Chinese leftovers or preparing a sandwich dripping with mayonnaise won’t cut it. Instead, prepare foods like salads, sandwiches on whole grain breads with lean meats, and wraps filled with tuna or chopped veggies. Your healthy lunch will make you feel good, while providing your body with the fuel needed to make it through the afternoon. 

Take a Real Lunch Break 

Eating healthy isn’t the only way to boost your afternoon productivity. Getting away from your desk for a midday stroll or even just stepping outside for a breath of fresh air can help refresh your energy levels. Paired with a nutritious lunch, this will allow you to return to your desk ready to take on anything the afternoon hours have in store for you. 

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