7 of the Best Energy-Packed Foods for Your Next Meeting

By Lauren Hamer

Running a meeting? Back away from the coffee pot. You may feel that caffeine is your last resort when holding a productive meeting for sleepyheads. But that’s just not the case. Diet plays a huge role in energy levels says Nicholas Bakalar, a New York Times columnist, and diets high in fat often lead to daytime sleepiness. This means that ordering energy-boosting food could be your best bet when it comes to workplace productivity.

To prevent sluggishness, know what foods to offer your team. A combo of protein, fat, and healthy natural carbs can help to maintain energy. Fresh fruit platters, smoothies, and yogurt are a great high-energy food choice, too, due to the high fiber and natural sugar in fresh fruit. But skip overly sugared, highly processed foods like pastries or refined carbs found in regular pastas — they’ll only weigh you down. Complex carbs (the good kind!) found in whole grains are your body’s main source of daily fuel. They also help negate blood sugar surges, according to one study, which means fewer energy crashes.

A mix of healthy snacks, low carb meals, and powerful veggies are the key to lasting productivity in meetings and beyond. When it comes to ordering the best energy foods for productive meetings, here are some of our favorites.

1. Chickpeas

For best energy foods, try: Coconut and chickpea trail mix

Crispy chickpeas are the star in this revamped energy-packed snack option for productive meetings. Made with chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, toasted coconut flakes, and a dash of cayenne pepper, foodies at Bon Appétit say you’ll want to keep this trail mix concoction fully stocked at the office 24/7. As a legume, chickpeas offer bite-sized energy and will help you power through the day. Combine with nuts, which are also high in protein and other key vitamins and minerals. Teams slumping in their chairs will be a thing of the past.

2. Moringa

For best energy foods, try: Superfood smoothies

Have you heard? Smoothies aren’t just for breakfast anymore. Now that we have nutritious moringa smoothies in the mix, a solution for productive meetings, we can have it all day long. The tropical moringa plant blends perfectly into lattes and smoothies and is loaded with protein, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory properties. Ruru Juice is one of many spots riding the moringa green wave, expertly masking healthy eats under a perfectly blended tropical guise of moringa, cucumber, pineapple, banana, spinach, and orange flavors.

3. Grain Bowls

For best energy foods, try: Mediterranean grain bowls

The one-dish movement is anchored by grain bowls, a customizable health trend caterers are perfecting in style. Most bowls follow a simple blueprint: a grain base of brown rice, quinoa, or farro layered with energy-packed foods from all food groups — from greens to nuts and seeds to proteins like sliced chicken, poached eggs, or tofu. Fast-casual Mediterranean is Cava’s claim to fame. Top powerful grains with jalapeño-infused feta mousse, spicy lamb meatballs, and roasted veggies for a satisfying meal.

4. Whole Grain Pasta

For best energy foods, try: Lemon herb chicken pasta

If turning down pasta drenched in Alfredo requires you to engage in superhuman-like restraint, try opting for complex carbohydrates like whole-grain pasta, brown rice, or roasted vegetables instead. Unlike refined carbs, these energy-packed foods will stabilize blood sugar and provide a quick burst of fuel. A zesty lemon chicken pasta dish packed with fresh green veggies and herbs will satisfy hunger of all levels without weighing you down. Hunger remains at bay when paired with proteins that take longer to digest like chicken and cheese. Plus, former NFL players-turned chefs swear by this light, yet scrumptious meal.

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