“You are what you eat” isn’t just a saying — it also impacts your team’s performance. While exercise is a key pillar of any wellness program, pairing it with good nutrition creates a powerful synergy that boosts employee health, well-being, and productivity. Learn more about how nutrition and physical activity work together and the all-in-one resource that can help every employee perform at their best.
Fueling Productivity: The Power of Nutrition
The foods employees eat can directly affect work performance, influencing mood, energy levels, and cognitive function – all key drivers of workplace productivity. Here’s how a healthy, balanced diet helps employees:
- Better Mental Health: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds can improve mental well-being. Research shows eating more produce can have therapeutic effects on mood, while healthy fats and fiber help reduce inflammation and regulate neurotransmitters, both of which can ease symptoms of stress and depression.
- Sharper Thinking and Memory: Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish), and antioxidants (found in fruits and vegetables) support brain function, problem solving skills, and memory retention, all critical for high performance at work.
- More Energy, Less Fatigue: A healthy diet with protein and fiber-rich foods provides steady energy, preventing the crash that can come from high-sugar, processed snacks. Employees with consistent energy levels can stay more focused and productive throughout the workday.
More Produce, More Productivity
The research is clear; eating more fruits and vegetables can lead to happier, more creative, and more productive employees. That’s because the nutrients in produce stimulate dopamine production in the brain, enhancing motivation and engagement. Plus, antioxidants in fruits and vegetables improve memory and mood.
On the flip side, an unhealthy diet can drain productivity. One study found that employees with poor eating habits were 66% more likely to struggle with productivity. Employees who rarely ate fruit, vegetables, and other low-fat foods at work were 93% more likely to struggle with productivity.
The Power Duo: Nutrition and Physical Activity
Pairing healthy eating with regular exercise takes employee health and well-being to the next level. Beyond boosting productivity and work performance, this combination also significantly lowers the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic and costly conditions.
Even better, nutrition and exercise reinforce each other. Studies suggest that starting an exercise routine often inspires healthier eating habits, while maintaining a healthy diet makes it more likely to engage in regular physical activity. It’s a cycle of success that benefits both employers and employees.
Aaptiv: Fitness and Nutrition Support in One App
Whether employees want to eat smarter, move more, or do both, Aaptiv provides the resources, guidance, and motivation they need, all in one convenient app.
- Nutrition: With an easy-to-navigate Nutrition Section featuring over 750 nutrition-focused articles, employees can access everything from meal planning tips and recipes to guidance on popular diets, plant-based eating, and more. Plus, new content from registered dietitians and industry experts is added to the app and website every month.
- Fitness: Aaptiv offers 10,000+ on-demand workouts across 16 fitness and wellness categories, and access to 20,000 gyms and studios making it easy for employees to stay active, no matter their fitness level or goals.
Learn more about Aaptiv employee fitness and wellness benefit solutions.
