How our Lunches Affect our Work – Part 3

Previously, we have discussed about the effects of a poor lunch and how it affects our productivity, either causing us to doze off, or disrupting our concentration. In this final part of the series, we will be looking at the long run beneficial effects of having a good lunch.

Aside from being conscious and focused at work, did you know that there are many hidden health benefits from consuming the right types of food?

Increased Creativity

The food that works on your concentration has an impact on your creativity levels too. How so, you may ask. Well, considering that both concentration and creativity is controlled by your brain, consuming brain-boosting food will naturally impact both of these attributes. Therefore, look out for food that contains high amounts of essential fatty acids. They are:

1. Fish
2. Shellfish
3. Flax / Chia / Pumpkin / Sunflower seeds
4. Leafy Vegetables

Fortunately, we can find most of these around our office in Cantonment road. Try the Fish Soup at Everton Food Place!

Increased Immunity

Sometimes, our colleagues are way too hardworking and come to office even when unwell. While we shall not be judgmental about their actions, because there is really two sides of the coin to that, we ought to protect ourselves from the spread of illnesses. Yes, masks can help prevent the spread by containing the infected droplets, but why take the chance with door knobs or refrigerator handles? With a boosted immune system, you can pretty much lower your chances of being infected with the common illnesses.

The following list of foods will help boost your immunity:

1. Yoghurt – the bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri can help to stimulate white blood cells
2. Garlic – the numerous sulfuric compounds helps wipe out bacteria and infections
3. Sweet Potatoes – contains very high amounts of Beta-carotene, which helps in the production of connective tissue in our skin (our first line of defense against bacteria)
4. Mushrooms – increases production and activity of white blood cells, making them aggressive against infections

Once again, these foods are readily available around our office. You can find most of these in our nearby NTUC supermarket.

Improved Mood

Food and mood? Yes, it rhymes, but that is not the reason why it is here. Well, not the only reason. As mentioned in Part One of the series, albeit briefly, serotonin is a hormone that makes us feel positive, relaxed and confident. Serotonin is made using tryptophan, a routine constituent of most protein-based food. Therefore, to improve our mood, we could consume more protein! Meat good!

1. Poultry
2. Egg whites
3. Pork chop

For a good dollop of poultry, such as chicken and duck, do consider the roast meat shop at Foong Kee Coffee Shop, a short 10 minute walk away from our office.

Conclusion

As we end this series, I would like to stress the importance of having the right lunch for a work day. It is not simply about weight gain and cholesterol management, it is also about work performance and productivity. We are what we eat. Therefore, if we want to be like Superman, avoid those ‘Kryponite’.