A working lunch

Your workday lunch break is the perfect opportunity to do something for the good of your health, no matter how busy your days can get.

Adopting a few simple daily habits has the potential to transform your energy, mood and productivity in the afternoons.

Every business works better when their employees are well, healthy and nourished, so let’s take a look at some workday solutions to help make your afternoons just as productive as your mornings are:

• Whether you are in an office, working from home or out on the road, make time for a proper lunch break. Getting away from your desk will allow your brain to take a break, which is likely to leave you more productive and focussed later in the afternoon. This is even more important if you are a manager, leading by example to emphasise the importance of taking a lunch break away from your desk.

• Get outside in nature. We know that being in nature can help reduce levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Even taking a 10minute walk at lunchtime can make a difference. Or try introducing walking meetings to your working week. This style of meeting has increased in popularity since the pandemic, and research shows that walking meetings can improve creativity and focus amongst staff.

• Get away from your desk. Whether your workplace has a canteen serving healthy and nourishing lunches, or just the bare essentials of a kettle, microwave and toaster, make time to get away from your desk and clear your head. If you are working from home, set aside at least 20minutes to eat something nourishing, feed your body and fuel your brain.

• Fuel your brain with a decent portion of protein, some healthy fats, a couple of portions of vegetables and a slow release carbohydrate.

• Here are some ideas for quick and handy weekday lunches to try:

  • Seasonal salads like my apple, chard and lentil salad can make enough for lunch for 2 days. Serve on its own, or with some leftover chicken or ready-cooked salmon fillets for extra protein to keep your stained right through the afternoon

  • Protein-packed soups (think beans, lentils or chicken) with oatcakes and cheese, and finish with some natural yoghurt and fruit

  • A packed wholemeal pitta pocket with falafels, salad and houmous

  • Omelettes are perfect if you are working from home

Find out more about Vital Nutrition’s lunch-and-learn classes for your workplace here.