The benefits of working virtually extend beyond getting to wear pajamas to work. Having a refrigerator stocked with actual food (instead of condiments for everyone’s leftovers) and functional kitchen appliances opens up the beautiful option of being completely in control of the foods you choose to consume throughout your day. And what a difference that can make. You are what you eat – and taking in strong, vibrant foods will help you churn out strong, vibrant work.
Remember the snacks that boost productivity? Keep those handy to eat between the items on this expanded menu, which includes some meal options and some healthy, energy-boosting shakes for ending the day on a high note.
Of course, even if work is in a more conventional place, there are ways to prepare these meals in advance – it will just require a little more planning. If you’re not so good at stocking your fridge in the first place, talk to your ZA about a getting a recurring grocery order delivered to your doorstep.
Breakfast Can Make or Break Your Day
Eggs are rich in choline which is associated with better neurological function, making them a great breakfast option for starting the day off right. With an entire kitchen to work with, a fried egg can happen in a matter of minutes, or else throw in some extra flavor and nutrition by making an omelette with some of these superfoods:
- Bell peppers contain antioxidants and vitamins that encourage healthy brain activity.
- Spinach provides iron. Iron helps the blood carry oxygen throughout the body and is crucial for maintaining energy levels.
- Tomatoes: contain high levels of lycopene – which is valuable for bone health, as well as other vitamins and antioxidants.
To-Go Tip: Bake these egg muffins on a Sunday with some of our recommended additions, and refrigerate to have a powerful grab and go breakfast option for the week.
Lunch Time – More Than The Biggest Snack of the Day
Grabbing two handfuls of nuts instead of one does not constitute eating lunch. Try a fresh salad of mixed leafy greens, the darker the better, with these stellar toppings:
- chickpeas, avocados, and seeds (Bonus Diet Tip: chickpeas are a great food for regulating blood-sugar and keeping away unhealthy snacking urges, and avocados are slow-burning and provide a more consistent, long-burning energy source.)
- grilled salmon, cucumber, tomato, and feta cheese
- poached chicken, asian pear, cucumber, and bean sprouts
To-Go-Tip: Pre-pack the ingredients of the salad into appropriate serving sizes, keeping the leafy greens on top. Keep dressing separate until just before consuming. Mason jars make a creative and fun storage system for portable salads!
Blend Together Some Energy, Nutrition, and Flavors
In the afternoons, it can get much harder to stay focused and productive. Take a break and stretch on the way to the blender.
- Try using greek yoghurt in favorite smoothie recipes – the additional protein will help keep your mind off of dinner, and on the work ahead of you. Peanut butter can also be a tasty protein addition to more savory banana or oatmeal smoothies.
- Keeping berries on hand for snacking? Try using them in these “Juice and Smoothie Recipes for Energy and Vitality”.
- Whenever possible, avoid using added sugars – these can provide a nice taste and a quick jolt, but the crash is inevitable.
To-Go Tip: Prepare the ingredients for the desired smoothies ahead of time and store them pre-portioned in the fridge for the week. The morning of, throw them in the blender for the freshest experience.
Still wondering, why bother?
Working virtually and having access to a kitchen is an excellent way to avoid consuming excess processed foods – which are often nutrient deficient and contain unhealthy additives. Alternately taking a little extra time to prepare and pack meals in advance translates these benefits even into an office environment.
Taking advantage of fresh, homemade foods helps keep digestive and brain health optimal, so that whether you are working from home or in an office, you have the energy and resources to be at your best.