Your diet is the secret to success

As an entrepreneur, you’re more likely to be thinking about your company, rather than what goes into your stomach. But, what you eat directly affects how you work and how you stay focused and productive. According to the World Health Organization, “Adequate nutrition can raise your productivity levels by 20 percent on average.” Follow these five guidelines for better success during your workday:

1. Never skip breakfast

You’ve heard the saying: breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so don’t skip it! Even though 93 percent of Americans believe this, only 44 percent of them regularly eat breakfast, according to a Food Council Survey. Fuel your mornings to start the day on the right track with a mix of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. A couple ideas are overnight oats with chia seeds, almond milk, berries and sweet potato, or a green smoothie bowl.

2. Eat regularly

With back to back meetings and busy schedules, it’s common for entrepreneurs to skip meals. Word to the wise: don’t. By skipping meals, your body and brain will begin to slow down and you may feel tired, weak and unfocused. What’s more, once you do eat later, you’re more likely to eat junk food. Cornell University research shows that meal-skippers purchase 31 percent more unhealthy food when they shop hungry. If you have a packed schedule, plan ahead the night before by packing your meals or by using a meal delivery service.

3. Drink more water than you think you need

A few sips during the day simply isn’t going to cut it. Our body is made up of nearly 70 percent water, and it’s our fuel! Dehydration causes shrinkage of brain tissue and an associated increase in ventricular volume. Drink one to two large glasses of water as soon as you wake up in the morning, and keep a large water bottle with you during the day that you can refill.

4. Incorporate foods that keep you focused

Grabbing a taco or cheeseburger at lunch is just a recipe for crashing later. Incorporate the following foods into your workday to keep your brain healthy and your body feeling full and focused: whole grains, leafy greens, green tea, salmon, berries, walnuts and avocados.

5. Start a routine

In order to keep a more fulfilling and healthy eating schedule, make it a routine. Plan out your meals, and be sure to get a big water bottle to bring with you everywhere. Incorporate lower-caffeinated drinks such as tea into your mornings, so you don’t crash later with too much coffee. Keep a journal for your first few weeks to truly look into your eating schedule and note how you feel.