Healthy Snack Hacks for Peak Productivity

Well, the time is slightly some minutes past three o'clock in the afternoon. My cursor winks at me like an insomniac from the infinite space of the screen, and the memo half-typed stares back at me like it never existed in the first place. My belly grumbles in disagreement, but my eyes widen at the idea of going back for another donut from the break room – I know all too well the crippling sugar rush followed by the crash that comes with it.

This, my friends, is the territory of the afternoon slump that we often find ourselves in without even realizing it. But do not worry, dear knowledge workers (as let's face it, this brain haze is not limited to freelancing only!), and there exists the perfect remedy for those 3 pm slumps and foggy brain. The answer? Strategic snacking! Say bye-bye to the sweets and hello to the new generation of snacks that will help you harness your concentration and be efficient until the clock strikes 5!

Brain Food for Peak Performance:

• Nuts: High-quality nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews contain generous portions of relatively more healthy fatty acids along with protein and fiber that help you stay full and attentive. You reap more benefits if you serve them with dried fruit to add a hint of the sweet stuff.

• Berries: Berries are not only sweet and natural but contain antioxidants as well as anthocyanins that aid memory and cognitive abilities.

• Guac: Avocados are a saucer vegetarian's dream with monounsaturated fats, potassium, and zesty B vitamins.

• Edamame: This protein packing means steady and more energy than the usual sugar boost and crash.

• Dark Chocolate: Eating dark chocolate (preferably 70% or more cacao) releases flavanols, which aid in increasing blood flow and promoting healthy brain activity.

Remember

1. Portion Control is Key

2. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

3. Listen to Your Body

Bonus Tip: Having healthy foods under preparation on the weekend will always have foods that kick start the growth of the brain well-prepped to face any hunger that comes along.

Applying these healthy snacking tricks in your everyday life will help you effectively deal with mid-afternoon lethargy and sharpen your focus constantly. Therefore, avoid the sweet treats and grab something that will help feed your brain. Before you know it, productivity increases.