Our eating habits at work can dictate how we feel throughout the day. Certain foods may be making you more fatigued, slowing down your efficiency past midday and thus adversely affecting your output.
Foods can provide two types of energy. Those with a high glycemic index are often higher in sugar and carbohydrates, flooding the body with insulin causing a brief boost of energy, followed by drowsiness and hunger. Proteins, fats and fibre rich foods which have a low glycemic index release sugar at a slower rate and provide longer periods of sustained energy.
The following is a list of five high energy snacks which are easy to eat at work and will leave you feeling attentive and wound up.
Almonds
Almonds are packed full of healthy fats, fibre and protein. They not only deliver a host of nutrients but provide you with energy and keep your appetite sated until your next meal. However, while snacking on almonds, it pays to remember that a little goes a long way with these calorie dense nuts.
Yogurt
Yogurt gives you a big energy boost while the protein in it keeps you feeling full for longer. These days there are a number of local and affordable single-serve yogurts available in a variety of flavours which are easy to store and eat at work. They can be a real treat for the post-lunch hunger pang.
Bananas and apples
Loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants and fibre, fruits are great if you need a small energy burst in between tasks, and bananas and apples are the easiest to carry to and eat at work.
Coconut water
This tropical fruit is low in calories, naturally fat free, contains more potassium than four bananas, packed full of electrolytes and super hydrating. There’s no dearth of coconuts in Dhaka and a single glass of coconut water can instantly pick you up.
Popcorn
With popcorn you get a lot of volume and fibre which makes you feel full for longer. You can find them in low fat and single-serve packs which are low in calories and will take you at most three minutes to make, if your workplace has a microwave. The drawback with this snack is you may have to share it with colleagues.
