A Healthy Workplace is a Happy Workplace

There are many strategies in the successful businessperson's toolkit. Did you know that healthy eating is one of them?

There are plenty of tips and tricks out there to help you engage in a healthier lifestyle at work, and one that's high on the list is your diet. Not only can this influence your weight and fitness, it also plays a large part in your energy levels, mood, concentration, ability to learn, and above all, your overall performance.

In short, what you eat or drink can directly influence your business success.

To help hit the right balance, here are some essential tips from Nuffield Health nutritional therapist Zoe Rowlandson, guest writer for Real Business, on how to improve your eating habits at work and create a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Healthy eating tips

According to Zoe, the "blood sugar rollercoaster" is a common occurrence whereby people eat the wrong foods at the wrong time of day. Sugary snacks, junk food or caffeine can send blood sugar soaring, which usually gives you a boost. But it's only short-term and you'll soon come crashing back down, feeling tired and moody in the process.

"Take charge and put some thought and planning into what and when you eat throughout the day," advises Zoe. To prevent your blood sugar from dipping too low and to satisfy the energy demands of your brain, Zoe recommends the following:

Don't skip meals - you can't focus or function if you're running on empty.
Always make time for a proper breakfast, as this sets you up for the day.
Plan your day to have 3 meals and 2 snacks - one mid-morning and one mid-afternoon. Or, have 5 or 6 small meals per day if it suits you better.
Opt for foods with slow-release energy - include protein with each meal and snack from sources such as fish, eggs, poultry, beans, pulses, quinoa, natural nuts and seeds.
Carbohydrates should be wholegrain - avoid refined carbohydrates such as white bread.
Eat plenty of vegetables, pulses and whole fruits.
Healthy fats are essential - including foods such as oily fish, olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds.
Staying hydrated is a vital part of healthy living, and can also help to prevent hunger. Try to avoid caffeine as this contributes enormously to the blood sugar rollercoaster - where possible, switch to decaffeinated hot drinks or even better, opt for herbal and fruit teas.

Making small changes to your diet and following a healthier eating regime can help you to feel more energised, more alert and above all, help to improve your business performance. You'll feel healthier and happier - and it will help combat the battle of the bulge, too!

What other tips can you recommend for a healthier lifestyle at work? Share your advice @UBCoffices or facebook.com/UBCUK.