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The Workplace Wellness Nutrition Guide
The practical, evidence-based guide to nutrition in the workplace. What your people eat is directly affecting your business.
Two guides in one
A section for HR and leadership – and a section to share directly with your team
Tracey Warren
Workplace wellness is one of the most under-resourced areas in UK business. Organisations invest in standing desks, EAP programmes and mental health first aiders – but almost nobody addresses the single biggest driver of energy, focus, mood and resilience at work: what people eat.
“You cannot expect high performance from people who are running on caffeine, biscuits and skipped lunches. This guide gives you the practical knowledge to change that – without a big budget or a full-time wellness team.”
The Business Case for Workplace Nutrition
The numbers are impossible to ignore
Poor nutrition in the workplace costs UK businesses billions every year in lost productivity, absenteeism and presenteeism – employees who are physically present but mentally and physically unable to perform at their best. The research is consistent and clear.
Productivity Loss
Linked directly to poor diet and nutrition at work. Employees who eat well perform measurably better.
Per Employee Per Year
Average annual cost of presenteeism driven by poor health. Twice the cost of absenteeism.
Working Days Lost
To stress, depression and anxiety annually in the UK. Nutrition plays a direct and measurable role.
Skip Lunch Daily
UK employees regularly skip lunch at their desks. The afternoon productivity consequence is severe.
Women Leave Work Early
Due to unmanaged menopause symptoms. Many more remain but significantly underperform.
Return Per £1 Spent
Average ROI on workplace wellbeing investment according to CIPD research.
Your people’s nutrition is a business issue. Not just a personal one.
What poor workplace nutrition looks like in practice
The 3pm productivity cliff
A predictable daily dip in focus, energy and output driven by blood sugar crashes from poor lunch choices or no lunch at all. Costs organisations hours of effective output every single day.
Chronic fatigue and presenteeism
Employees who are physically present but mentally absent. Estimated to cost twice as much as absenteeism. Poor diet is a primary and widely overlooked driver.
High cortisol and poor decision-making
Chronic stress combined with poor nutrition elevates cortisol which directly impairs judgement, emotional regulation and creative thinking. Your leadership team is not immune.
Menopause-related attrition
Around 900,000 women have left the UK workforce due to unmanaged menopause symptoms. Many more remain but are significantly underperforming compared to their potential.
Quick self-assessment – how does your organisation score?
What HR and Leadership Can Do
Practical actions that do not require a large budget
You do not need a corporate wellness programme or a big budget to make a meaningful difference. The most impactful changes are often the simplest ones.
- One in four UK employees regularly skips lunch. Leadership behaviour sets the norm.
- Model the behaviour from the top – managers who eat at their desks signal that lunch breaks are not acceptable
- Avoid scheduling meetings over the core lunch window where possible
- A genuine 30-minute break increases afternoon productivity significantly – it is not lost time
- Remove or reduce ultra-processed snacks from meeting rooms and communal areas
- Replace biscuit tins with mixed nuts, fruit and dark chocolate – the cost difference is minimal
- If you provide catering, ensure protein-rich options are always available at lunch
- Provide a water cooler or encourage water bottles – dehydration is the most overlooked cause of afternoon fatigue
- The Menopause Employment Protection Bill has raised the profile of this issue significantly
- A simple policy signals to female employees that their experience is understood and respected
- Flexible working, temperature control and access to cold water are low-cost reasonable adjustments
- Train line managers to have sensitive, informed conversations about menopause at work
- Share this guide with your employees – the second half is written directly for them
- Consider a lunch and learn session on workplace nutrition – one hour, significant impact
- A quarterly wellbeing newsletter with practical nutrition content costs nothing and builds culture
- Signpost employees to accessible, affordable resources rather than expensive programmes
- Include nutrition and energy questions in staff surveys to establish a baseline
- Track sickness absence before and after wellbeing initiatives
- Celebrate wellbeing wins alongside business results – it signals that people matter
- ROI on wellbeing investment averages £5 returned for every £1 spent according to CIPD research
Energy and Focus at Work
Why you crash at 3pm – and how to stop it
The 3pm energy slump is so common in workplaces that most people think it is normal. It is not. It is a direct consequence of what was eaten – or not eaten – earlier in the day. Here is what is happening and how to fix it.
- Skipping breakfast causes blood sugar to drop within 2 to 3 hours, triggering cortisol and fatigue
- A high-protein breakfast – eggs, Greek yoghurt, smoked salmon – keeps you stable until lunch
- A cereal bar or toast alone will spike and crash you before 10am
- A high-carb lunch – pasta, white bread sandwich, meal deal with crisps – causes the 3pm slump
- Aim for at least 20 to 25g protein at lunch – chicken, fish, eggs, lentils, Greek yoghurt
- Add vegetables or salad to increase fibre and stabilise energy for the afternoon
- Eat away from your desk if possible – even 15 minutes of genuine break improves afternoon focus
- Thirst is a late signal – by the time you feel thirsty you are already mildly dehydrated
- Even 1 to 2% dehydration reduces cognitive performance, concentration and mood significantly
- Aim for 2 litres across the working day – a 750ml bottle on your desk refilled twice
- Caffeine after 12pm does not help – it disrupts sleep which makes tomorrow worse
What to eat at your desk when you are busy
| Choose This | Instead of This | Why |
| Mixed nuts and dried fruit | Biscuits or a chocolate bar | Protein and healthy fat vs sugar spike and crash |
| Greek yoghurt pot | Flavoured yoghurt or cereal bar | 18 to 20g protein vs mostly sugar. No comparison. |
| Oatcakes with nut butter | Crackers or rice cakes | Slow release energy vs quick spike with no protein |
| Hard boiled eggs (2 pack) | Pastry or sausage roll | Complete protein vs refined carbs and poor quality fat |
| Dark chocolate 70% (2 to 3 squares) | Milk chocolate or sweets | Magnesium and antioxidants vs pure sugar |
| Sparkling water or herbal tea | Energy drink or fourth coffee | Hydration vs blood sugar spike followed by deeper crash |
Stress, Cortisol and Food
The connection most people do not know about
Chronic workplace stress is not just a mental health issue. It directly affects what you eat, how your body processes food and where it stores fat. The relationship between stress and nutrition runs in both directions – and understanding it changes everything.
What high cortisol does to your eating
Cortisol increases cravings for sugar and refined carbs, reduces satiety signals so you feel less full, and drives fat storage directly to the abdomen. Stress eating is physiological, not weakness.
What skipping meals does to your cortisol
Skipping meals raises cortisol further. It is a vicious cycle – stress makes you skip meals, skipping meals raises stress hormones, which makes you more stressed and more likely to reach for sugar.
Foods that actively reduce cortisol
Dark leafy greens (magnesium), oily fish (omega-3), berries (antioxidants), dark chocolate 70%+ and fermented foods. These are not wellness trends – they are evidence-based.
Foods that worsen cortisol response
Caffeine in excess, alcohol, refined sugar and ultra-processed food all elevate cortisol. Reducing these during high-pressure periods is more effective than most people realise.
- Do not skip meals – it raises cortisol and makes everything harder
- Reduce caffeine after 12pm – it elevates cortisol and disrupts the sleep that stress already damages
- Eat at least one genuinely nutritious meal per day – even if everything else goes wrong
Menopause in the Workplace
For women experiencing symptoms and the managers who support them
Around 4.5 million women aged 45 to 55 are currently in work in the UK. The majority are navigating perimenopause or menopause symptoms while doing their jobs. What most of them have never been told is that what they eat every day directly influences how severe those symptoms are.
Hot flushes during meetings
Triggered by blood sugar spikes from caffeine and refined carbs. A protein-rich lunch and reducing afternoon caffeine significantly reduces frequency.
Brain fog and poor concentration
Oestrogen decline affects cognitive function. Omega-3 rich foods – oily fish, walnuts, flaxseed – directly support brain function and are the most important foods at this stage.
Exhaustion that does not respond to sleep
Progesterone decline disrupts sleep architecture. Magnesium glycinate before bed, reducing caffeine and eating enough throughout the day all make a measurable difference.
Anxiety and mood changes
Oestrogen decline reduces serotonin production. A gut-supporting diet rich in diverse plant foods, fermented foods and omega-3 directly supports mood stability.
Weight gain around the middle
Hormonal changes shift fat storage to the abdomen. Protein intake and blood sugar stability are the two most powerful dietary responses – not eating less.
Joint pain and physical discomfort
As oestrogen declines, inflammation rises. An anti-inflammatory diet is not optional during this transition – it is essential for managing pain and maintaining physical capacity at work.
For a comprehensive menopause nutrition guide that employees can access independently, see the Managing Menopause Through Food plan at traceywarrennutrition.co.uk
Nutrition for Desk Workers
Specific challenges – and specific solutions
Desk workers face a unique set of nutritional challenges. Sedentary for most of the day, screen-fatigued by afternoon, snacking out of boredom or stress rather than hunger, and often with no proper break from their desk.
Sitting all day and blood sugar
Physical inactivity makes blood sugar spikes more severe and longer lasting. A short walk after lunch – even 10 minutes – measurably improves blood sugar control and afternoon focus.
Screen fatigue and food choices
Decision fatigue from screen work depletes the mental energy needed to make good food choices. Pre-preparing lunch and having good snacks at your desk removes the need for willpower.
Eating at the desk
Eating while working means you eat faster, register fullness less accurately and eat more overall. Even 15 minutes away from your screen at lunch makes a significant difference.
Chronic dehydration
Office environments are dry, air-conditioned and full of caffeine. Most desk workers are mildly dehydrated for most of the working day. Brain fog and poor concentration are often just thirst.
The desk worker’s daily quick wins
Nutrition for Shift Workers
Nurses, care workers, factory staff, security, hospitality
Shift work is one of the most nutritionally demanding working patterns. Disrupted sleep, irregular meal times, limited food options during shifts and the physical demands of the work create a perfect storm of poor nutrition outcomes.
- Your body responds to when you eat relative to when you sleep and work – not what the clock says
- For night shifts, eat a proper meal before your shift starts and a lighter meal mid-shift
- Avoid large meals within 2 to 3 hours of sleep regardless of what time that is
- Keep a protein-rich snack for the lowest energy point – usually 3 to 5am for night workers
- Caffeine is useful for shift workers but needs to be timed carefully
- Use caffeine at the start of a shift for alertness – not throughout to maintain energy
- Stop caffeine consumption at least 6 hours before your planned sleep window
- Hydration is more important than caffeine – dehydration causes more fatigue than most people realise
- Vending machines and canteens offer very poor nutritional options, particularly during unsociable hours
- Batch cook on days off and portion into containers for each shift
- Keep emergency staples in your bag – mixed nuts, high protein bars (20g+), oatcakes
- A thermos of homemade soup or a cold rice pot is far better than anything available mid-shift
- Irregular eating patterns directly disrupt the gut microbiome and circadian rhythm
- Include fermented foods daily – Greek yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut – to support gut bacteria
- Aim for 30 different plant foods per week – even small amounts count towards the total
- Magnesium glycinate helps with sleep quality regardless of when sleep occurs
Mental Health and Food
The gut-brain connection every employer needs to understand
Around 95% of serotonin – the neurotransmitter most associated with mood, wellbeing and emotional regulation – is produced in the gut. The connection between what we eat and how we feel mentally is not metaphorical. It is physiological, direct and measurable.
The gut-brain axis
The gut and brain are in constant two-way communication via the vagus nerve. The state of your gut microbiome directly influences anxiety levels, mood stability, stress resilience and cognitive function.
Ultra-processed food and mental health
Multiple large-scale studies now link high ultra-processed food consumption with increased rates of depression and anxiety. The mechanism is gut dysbiosis, chronic inflammation and nutrient depletion.
Nutrients most commonly deficient in depression
Omega-3 (oily fish, walnuts), Vitamin D (sunlight, oily fish, eggs), Magnesium (leafy greens, seeds), B vitamins (whole grains, meat, eggs), Iron (particularly in women). All common and impactful.
Blood sugar and anxiety
Blood sugar crashes feel physically similar to anxiety – racing heart, sweating, difficulty concentrating. Many people experience what they believe is anxiety that is partly driven by blood sugar instability.
- Oily fish twice a week – omega-3 is the most evidence-backed nutritional intervention for mood
- Fermented foods daily – Greek yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut to support the gut-brain axis
- Dark leafy greens daily – magnesium supports the nervous system and reduces anxiety
- Berries – anthocyanins reduce neuroinflammation which is increasingly linked to depression
- Regular eating – blood sugar stability is the foundation of emotional regulation
Supplements for Focus and Concentration
Food first. Always. But these have strong evidence behind them.
The supplement industry is full of overclaiming. This section covers only those with genuine, consistent evidence for cognitive performance, focus and energy at work. None of these replace a good diet – but for people who are eating well and still struggling, they can make a meaningful difference.
- The most deficient mineral in the UK adult population and one of the most impactful for cognitive function
- Directly supports memory, learning, stress regulation and sleep quality
- Poor sleep is the single biggest driver of poor workplace performance – magnesium glycinate consistently improves sleep depth
- Glycinate form is best absorbed. Avoid magnesium oxide – it is poorly absorbed.
- The most evidence-backed supplement for brain health, focus and cognitive performance
- EPA reduces neuroinflammation linked to depression, anxiety and brain fog
- DHA is a structural component of brain cell membranes – essential for cognitive function
- Look for a combined EPA and DHA of at least 1000mg per dose. Algae-based versions available for plant-based workers.
- B vitamins are critical for energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis and stress response
- B6 directly supports serotonin and dopamine production – the neurotransmitters of motivation and mood
- B12 is essential for nervous system function and mental clarity – deficiency causes fatigue and brain fog
- Depleted rapidly by stress – particularly important during demanding periods at work
- Around 1 in 5 UK adults are deficient in Vitamin D – rising to 1 in 3 in winter months
- Deficiency causes fatigue, low mood, poor concentration and reduced immunity
- Particularly important for desk workers and shift workers with limited sunlight exposure
- Always take D3 and K2 together. Take with a meal containing fat – Vitamin D is fat soluble.
- One of the most interesting emerging supplements for cognitive function with a growing evidence base
- Contains compounds that stimulate Nerve Growth Factor – supporting brain cell growth and connectivity
- Studies show improvements in focus, memory and mild cognitive decline
- Effects build over 4 to 8 weeks. Look for a fruiting body extract – significantly higher active compounds.
- Consistent evidence for reducing cortisol, improving stress resilience and supporting cognitive performance under pressure
- Particularly useful during high-pressure periods – restructuring, deadlines, demanding projects
- Studies show reductions in perceived stress of 30 to 44% compared to placebo
- Takes 4 to 8 weeks for full effect. KSM-66 is the most studied and bioavailable form. Not suitable during pregnancy.
Always speak to a GP before starting new supplements if you are on medication or have existing health conditions. Supplements work best alongside a good diet – they are not a replacement for it. For Tracey’s specific brand recommendations visit traceywarrennutrition.co.uk
Detoxifying the Workplace
The hidden toxins in your office that nobody talks about
Almost no workplace wellness conversations address the chemical environment employees spend 40 hours a week in. The research on everyday office chemicals – from air fresheners to cleaning products – and their impact on hormones, focus and long-term health is well-established and widely ignored.
Indoor air can be up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air.
Plug-in air fresheners and aerosol sprays
Most contain synthetic fragrances which are a cocktail of undisclosed chemicals. Phthalates – used to make scent last longer – are endocrine disruptors that interfere with oestrogen and testosterone.
Synthetic cleaning products
Many contain quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), chlorine bleach and synthetic fragrances. Quats are linked to respiratory sensitisation and disruption of the gut microbiome.
Printer ink and toner
Laser printers emit ultrafine particles during printing that are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs. High-volume printing areas without adequate ventilation are a genuine occupational health concern.
Plastic water bottles and food containers
BPA and its replacements leach from plastic into food and drink – particularly when heated. These are oestrogen-mimicking chemicals that accumulate in the body over time. Switching to glass or stainless steel is a simple, permanent fix.
Scented candles
Paraffin wax candles release toluene and benzene when burned – both classified as carcinogens. In enclosed offices with poor ventilation, regular candle burning measurably reduces air quality.
Carpets, furniture and off-gassing
New carpets, furniture, paint and building materials release VOCs for months to years after installation. Formaldehyde – found in many synthetic materials – is a known carcinogen and common cause of headaches.
Simple swaps that make a real difference
| Swap Out | Swap In | Why It Matters |
| Plug-in air fresheners | Open windows, plants, essential oil diffuser | Removes phthalates and VOCs from the air entirely |
| Aerosol cleaning sprays | White vinegar, bicarbonate of soda or certified non-toxic brands | Eliminates quats and synthetic fragrance from the working environment |
| Plastic water bottles | Glass or stainless steel bottles for all staff | Removes BPA and BPS exposure permanently at very low cost |
| Synthetic scented candles | No candles or soy wax with essential oils only | Eliminates benzene and toluene from indoor air |
| Air freshener sprays in toilets | Extractor fans, natural bamboo charcoal bags | Removes VOCs and fragrance chemicals from a confined space |
| Unnecessary printed documents | Digital alternatives where possible | Reduces thermal paper BPA exposure for reception and admin staff |
The best air-purifying plants for offices
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
One of the most effective air purifiers available. Removes formaldehyde, xylene and carbon monoxide. Virtually indestructible and thrives in office lighting. Recommended for printer areas.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
Removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and ammonia. Thrives in low light. Also increases humidity which improves respiratory comfort in air-conditioned environments.
Snake plant (Sansevieria)
Converts CO2 to oxygen at night as well as during the day. Extremely low maintenance and tolerates low light. Ideal for desk plants and communal areas.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Highly effective at removing VOCs including formaldehyde and benzene. Very low maintenance and fast growing. One plant quickly becomes several – the best value air purifier in any office.
One medium-sized plant per 10 square metres of office space is the widely cited guideline for meaningful air quality improvement. A well-planted office is not just aesthetically better – it is measurably healthier.
Reducing Absenteeism Through Nutrition
The immune system is built in the gut – and the gut is built in the kitchen
Sickness absence costs UK employers an average of £554 per employee per year. Much of this is driven by respiratory infections, fatigue-related illness and stress-related conditions – all of which are directly influenced by nutrition. A well-nourished immune system is more resilient, recovers faster and is less likely to succumb to workplace infections.
Per Employee Per Year
Average cost of sickness absence in the UK. Much of this is preventable through better nutrition.
Immune System in the Gut
Making diet the primary driver of immune resilience. What your team eats determines how often they get ill.
More Likely to Get Ill
When chronically sleep-deprived. Sleep quality is directly nutrition-dependent – it all connects.
Key nutrients for immune resilience
| Nutrient | Best Food Sources | Why It Matters |
| Vitamin C | Red peppers, kiwi, broccoli, citrus | Stimulates white blood cell production. Reduces duration and severity of respiratory infections. |
| Vitamin D | Oily fish, eggs, fortified foods, sunlight | Regulates immune response. Deficiency significantly increases susceptibility to respiratory infection. |
| Zinc | Pumpkin seeds, oysters, meat, legumes | Essential for immune cell development. Deficiency impairs almost every aspect of immune function. |
| Selenium | Brazil nuts (2 per day), tuna, eggs | Powerful antioxidant that supports immune cell activity. Two Brazil nuts provides the full daily requirement. |
| Iron | Red meat, lentils, spinach, tofu | Deficiency impairs immune cell production. Particularly important for women of working age. |
| Probiotics | Greek yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi | Support the gut microbiome housing 70% of immune cells. Daily consumption measurably reduces upper respiratory infections. |
| Omega-3 | Oily fish, walnuts, flaxseed | Reduces chronic inflammation which suppresses immune function. Supports faster recovery from illness. |
- UK government guidance recommends vitamin D supplementation for all adults from October to March
- A 90-day supply of vitamin D3 costs approximately £5 per person
- Studies show vitamin D supplementation reduces respiratory infections by up to 42% in deficient individuals
- If 10 employees avoid even one sick day each that is already a significant financial return on a minimal investment
- Ultra-processed food drives gut dysbiosis which directly weakens immune function
- Providing fruit, mixed nuts and Greek yoghurt alongside biscuits and pastries is not just wellness theatre – it is immune support
- A fruit bowl as standard office provision – cost is minimal, impact on immune resilience over winter is real
- Chronic stress suppresses immune function through sustained cortisol elevation
- Employees who are chronically stressed are significantly more likely to get ill and take longer to recover
- Workload management, psychological safety and adequate breaks are not just HR concerns – they are immune health interventions
What to Serve in Meetings
The biscuit tin is actively damaging the quality of your decisions
The standard meeting refreshments in most UK offices – biscuits, pastries, sugary drinks – create a predictable blood sugar spike in the first 20 minutes of a meeting, followed by a crash that impairs concentration, decision-making and creative thinking for the rest of it. These are the rooms where strategy is set, problems are solved and important decisions are made.
What you serve in meetings directly affects the quality of the decisions made in them.
What to serve instead – and where to get it
| Serve This | Not This | Where to Get It |
| Mixed nuts and dried fruit | Biscuits and shortbread | Any supermarket. Buy in bulk. Decant into bowls. |
| Dark chocolate 70%+ (broken into pieces) | Milk chocolate bars or sweets | Supermarket own brand is fine. Hotel Chocolat for client meetings. |
| Fresh fruit platter | Danish pastries and croissants | Most supermarkets sell pre-cut platters. Marks and Spencer for client meetings. |
| Greek yoghurt pots with berries | Flavoured yoghurts or cereal bars | Supermarket own brand Greek yoghurt. Add frozen berries defrosted overnight. |
| Oatcakes with hummus or nut butter | Crackers with processed cheese | Supermarket. Pret has good hummus pots for bought-in meetings. |
| Sparkling water and herbal teas | Sugary soft drinks and juice | Standard supermarket purchase. Fever-Tree sparkling water for client meetings. |
| Protein balls or energy bites | Flapjacks or cereal bars | Marks and Spencer, Pret, Itsu or homemade in batches. Recipe below. |
Easy no-bake energy balls – batch recipe for meetings
- 200g oats
- 4 tbsp peanut or almond butter
- 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 50g dark chocolate chips
- Pinch of salt
- Mix everything together in a bowl
- Roll into 20 balls
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes
- Serve on a plate at room temperature
Going forward, please replace meeting biscuits.
Going forward please replace biscuits and pastries in meetings with the following: a bowl of mixed nuts, a plate of dark chocolate (70%+), fresh fruit and a jug of sparkling water alongside the usual tea and coffee. For client meetings please also add a fresh fruit platter from Marks and Spencer or similar. The cost difference is minimal and the reasoning is that we want to support people’s focus and energy during meetings.
Hydration in the Workplace
The most overlooked driver of poor performance
Mild dehydration – as little as 1 to 2% of body weight in fluid loss – causes measurable reductions in cognitive performance, concentration, short-term memory and mood. In a typical office environment, most employees are mildly dehydrated for most of the working day. The economic cost is significant and almost entirely avoidable.
Dehydration Threshold
The level at which cognitive performance measurably declines. Most people reach this before lunch.
Cognitive Reduction
Drop in cognitive performance on tasks at even mild dehydration. The cost to your business is real.
Daily Minimum
Minimum daily fluid intake recommended for adults in an office environment. Most employees drink far less.
Air conditioning removes moisture from the air
Air-conditioned offices have significantly lower humidity than outdoor environments. This increases insensible water loss through breathing and skin – most people do not notice it until they are already dehydrated.
Caffeine is a diuretic
Coffee and tea – consumed in large quantities in most offices – increase urine output. Four cups of coffee requires at least an extra 400ml of water to compensate. Most people do not drink this additional water.
Thirst is a late signal
By the time you feel thirsty you are already mildly dehydrated. Waiting to feel thirsty before drinking means spending most of the working day in a state of mild cognitive impairment.
People confuse thirst for hunger
The hypothalamus regulates both hunger and thirst and the signals can be confused. Many afternoon snack cravings in offices are actually thirst. Drinking 500ml of water before reaching for a snack resolves this for many people.
What counts and what does not
| Counts Towards Hydration | Counts but Use Wisely | Does Not Help Hydration |
| Plain water | Coffee and tea (in moderation) | Alcohol – actively dehydrating |
| Sparkling water | Coconut water – natural electrolytes | Energy drinks – high caffeine and sugar |
| Herbal teas | Milk – contains water and electrolytes | Sugary soft drinks – drive fluid loss |
| Water-rich foods (cucumber, watermelon) | Diluted juice – more water than juice | More than 4 coffees – net dehydrating effect |
The single most effective hydration intervention for an office is a large water bottle on every desk. Not a glass. Not a cup. A 750ml bottle that employees can see, track and refill. Visibility drives behaviour.
Five Working Lunches to Bring to the Office
All prepped in under 10 minutes the night before. All genuinely nutritious.
The best workplace lunch is one that is already made. Decision fatigue by midday means most people default to whatever is easiest – which is rarely the most nutritious option. These five lunches can all be made the night before in under 10 minutes.
- Cooked brown rice
- 1 to 2 tins tuna in spring water
- Spring onions and cucumber
- Soy sauce and lemon juice
- Mix cold rice with drained tuna
- Add spring onion, cucumber, soy and lemon
- Pack in a container. Eat cold or microwave 2 minutes.
- 1 wholegrain wrap
- 150g cooked chicken
- Half an avocado, mashed
- Spinach and cucumber
- Spread mashed avocado on wrap
- Add chicken, spinach and cucumber
- Roll tightly, wrap in foil. Keeps well until lunchtime.
- 1 tin green lentils
- Roasted veg (batch cooked)
- 2 tbsp tahini
- Lemon juice and cumin
- Drain lentils and mix with roasted veg
- Combine tahini with lemon and cumin
- Drizzle over and pack in a container. Brilliant cold.
- Leftover cooked salmon
- Brown rice
- Frozen edamame (defrosted)
- Soy sauce and sesame oil
- Layer rice, salmon and edamame in a container
- Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil
- Eat cold or microwave 2 minutes. Outstanding nutritional density.
- 80g oats
- 250ml oat milk
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- Frozen berries
- Mix everything in a jar the night before
- Add berries on top
- Grab from the fridge on the way out. Zero morning effort.
The Monday Morning Reset
For when the weekend did not go to plan
Weekends happen. Social events, late nights, less structure around food and drink. Monday can feel like starting from behind before the week has even begun. This is a simple, realistic reset that does not require perfection – just a few key actions that make Monday manageable and set the week up well.
- 500ml of water before anything else – you are dehydrated from the weekend regardless of how much you drank
- A high-protein breakfast – eggs, Greek yoghurt or a protein smoothie. Not toast. Not nothing.
- No caffeine until after breakfast – let cortisol do its natural morning job before you add caffeine
- If you feel rough – add a B complex and a vitamin C to your breakfast. Both are water soluble and help with the after-effects of poor sleep.
- Drink consistently throughout the morning – 750ml by 12pm
- A small snack mid-morning if hungry – nuts, a piece of fruit, Greek yoghurt. Not biscuits.
- If you are craving sugar it is almost certainly dehydration or blood sugar instability. Drink water first.
- The most important meal of the Monday. Protein and vegetables – no exceptions.
- If you have nothing prepared – a chicken or tuna salad from any supermarket is fine. Not a meal deal with crisps.
- Eat away from your screen if at all possible. Monday needs a proper break more than any other day.
- A short walk after lunch on a Monday sets the tone for the whole week. Five minutes outside makes a measurable difference.
- Make double at dinner – Tuesday lunch is already sorted
- Prep your water bottle and snacks for tomorrow before you go to bed
- No alcohol on a Monday – your body is still recovering and one drink will affect Tuesday significantly more than usual
- Magnesium glycinate before bed – the best investment in a good Tuesday you can make on a Monday night
The Monday reset is not about punishment.
It is not about compensating for the weekend or starting a new diet on a Monday for the fifteenth time this year. It is simply about giving your body what it needs to function well today. Water. Protein. A walk. An early night. That is it.
Want personalised support for your team?
Tracey offers workplace wellness talks, lunch and learn sessions and team consultations – all delivered online via video call for businesses anywhere in the UK. Get in touch to discuss a session tailored to your organisation.
traceywarrennutrition.co.uk