Fuelling Success: The Connection Between Nutrition and Business Performance
Running a business is not for the faint-hearted. You’re wearing all the hats, making all the decisions, and juggling way too many tasks, all while trying to stay sane. But maybe you’re overlooking an important business strategy that can make all of that feel way easier: Your diet.
Yep, I said it: what you eat directly impacts how you perform in your business and can be a gamechanger in increasing your energy, focus, and productivity.
In this post, I’m gonna share some simple but science-backed strategies to keep that business brain sharp. Ready to fuel your success?
1. Brainpower Boost: Eat Smart to Make Smart Decisions
The Lowdown: Your brain runs on glucose – another reason why carbs aren’t the enemy! Now before you get excited, I’m not talking a Greggs sausage roll washed down with a doughnut, 😁cos quality is important here if you wanna sustain your efforts throughout the day.
The Fix: Slow-burning complex carbs like oats, quinoa, and sweet potatoes will give you steady energy, so your brain stays sharp for those big decisions. And don’t forget to pair carbs with a bit of protein – think eggs, chicken, or some Greek yoghurt – to keep blood sugar levels steady. An ideal breakfast here would be some overnight oats with protein powder. Banish that brain fog!
2. Goodbye Afternoon Slump: Keep Your Energy Steady
The Lowdown: If you’re feeling like a zombie by 3 p.m., you probably need to pay some attention to your diet. Energy comes from the macronutrients you eat – carbs, proteins, and fats – but it’s all about getting the balance right. Too many carbs = quick energy spike, then crash. Too little protein or fat = running on empty and feeling hungry an hour after lunch.
The Fix: Make sure every meal has a little bit of everything: protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. A power lunch could be grilled salmon, avocado, and a quinoa salad – delicious and keeps you firing on all cylinders.
3. Supercharge Your Productivity: Find Your Focus
The Lowdown: Want to stay on top of your game all day? Then you need to keep those feel-good brain chemicals – like serotonin and dopamine – flowing. Dehydration and poor nutrition mess with those neurotransmitters, leaving you tired, moody, and unable to concentrate.
The Fix: Drink your water! Aim for at least 2-3 litres a day. Keep a water bottle on your desk and sip throughout the day. You could even add some clear whey protein to give you a real boost. Fatty fish are also great for keeping your brain happy and productive, but let’s be honest, who eats enough of those 😬. Grab these Omega 3’s to keep your brain ticking over. (P.S, use the code FOODNINJA at the checkout for 10% off).
4. Stress-Proof Your Body: Don’t Let Burnout Win
The Lowdown: Running a business is stressful – no surprises there. That constant stress can take a toll on your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to getting sick just when you can’t afford to be out of action (I can’t be the only one who doesn’t pay myself sick pay 😬). But certain nutrients can help your body handle the stress and fight back.
The Fix: You need more foods that are rich in antioxidants and omega-3s – think berries, spinach, walnuts, chia seeds. These guys will help reduce inflammation and keep your immune system strong. Also, magnesium is your new best friend. It helps manage stress, so load up on leafy greens to keep your stress in check. I also take this ZMA supplement before bed to help promote recovery and better quality sleep (use the FOODNINJA code again for 10% off).
5. The Number 1 Issue: Eating Well When You’re Stupidly Busy
The Lowdown: This is one of the biggest issues I see! I know you’re busy, and planning meals probably feels like another chore on the to-do list. But winging it with your food choices is a fast track to low energy and poor performance. Skipping meals or grabbing something less than optimal leads to crashes and crankiness (not a good look when you’re leading a team, right?).
The Fix: Take some time over the weekend to prep a few things. My lazy prep involves putting chicken breasts in a Maggi bag, making a tray of roasted veggies, and a big slow cooker of chilli/bolognese. Keep healthy snacks within reach – nuts, boiled eggs, beef jerky – so you can avoid the cake run/petrol station emergency.
Your Diet Is Your Secret Weapon!
You can have the best business strategy in the world, but if you don’t have the energy or mental clarity to implement it, it’s pointless.
Nutrition is more than just about keeping you going; it’s about helping you thrive in your business, and being well fed can give you a competitive edge.
YOU are the biggest asset in your business – healthy you equals healthy profits.
Have you got any nutrition tips to share? 👇