Score Big with healthy snacks on game days!

Score Big with healthy snacks on game days!

We’ve put together a list of healthy, crowd-pleasing snack ideas that are perfect for game days! Not only are these snacks nutrient-packed, but they’re also delicious, so everyone will be happy!

  1. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. Chop Cauliflower into big pieces (wing size). Toss cauliflower florets in a mixture of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, Garlic Powder, Honey, Sea Salt and Pepper. Add Cauliflower to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and bake at 450 degrees for 20-30 minutes.
  2. Nature Nate’s Popped Sorghum. Top the sorghum with your favorite seasoning or eat by itself.
  3. Stuffed Sweet Peppers. Cut the Sweet Pepper lengthwise and add a mix of whipped feta, chives, and smoked paprika.
  4. Altitude Snacks are premium dried fruit and nut blends sourced only from the finest, super-clean, and unique ingredients.
  5. FoodBerry’s Trailberries. Nutritious, poppable snack of creamy peanut butter wrapped in a delicious coating of real fruit!

Fuel Your Focus and Concentration with Brain Boosting Snacks

Fuel Your Focus and Concentration with Brain Boosting Snacks

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining focus and cognitive sharpness is essential. The snacks you choose can play a significant role in supporting your mental clarity and concentration. Below, we explore four nutrient-packed options that provide nutrients that promote brain health and improve focus.

Cashews: The Unsung Hero for Cognitive Function

Cashews are rich in magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats, all of which are vital for brain health. Magnesium supports neurotransmitter function, helping to regulate mood and reduce stress. Zinc is essential for neural communication and memory, while the monounsaturated fats found in cashews nourish brain cells and enhance their functionality. Incorporating a handful of cashews into your diet can help improve focus, reduce anxiety, and protect against cognitive decline.

Popped Sorghum: A Whole-Grain Powerhouse

Nature Nate’s Popped Sorghum is a gluten-free, whole-grain snack loaded with fiber and antioxidants. The high fiber content stabilizes blood sugar levels, preventing energy dips that can disrupt focus. Additionally, sorghum contains polyphenols, which have been linked to improved cognitive performance by protecting brain cells from oxidative stress. Its small, popcorn-like kernels make it an easy and satisfying brain-boosting treat.

Blueberries: Nature’s Brain Berries

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which improve memory and delay brain aging. Studies suggest that these berries enhance communication between brain cells and boost cognitive function, making them an excellent snack for maintaining concentration. Their natural sweetness and portability make them a convenient choice for on-the-go snacking.

Broccoli: A Cruciferous Champion

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable known for its brain-boosting properties. It contains high levels of vitamin K, which supports brain cell health and enhances memory. Additionally, broccoli is rich in glucosinolates, compounds that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. Whether steamed, roasted, or raw, adding broccoli to your diet is a smart choice for long-term cognitive support.

Snack Smarter, Focus Better

By including these brain-boosting snacks in your diet, you can fuel your focus and improve mental clarity naturally. A well-nourished brain is a productive brain—so snack smart and thrive!

The Season of Appreciation: Nourishing Employee Morale with Fit Snack

The Season of Appreciation: Nourishing Employee Morale with Fit Snack

As the holidays approach, the spirit of gratitude and appreciation takes center stage, especially in the workplace. Employee appreciation is not just a seasonal gesture but a powerful tool that can uplift morale, foster loyalty, and enhance productivity. The right approach to showing gratitude can make all the difference, and what better way to do so than through the gift of health?

A study published in the “Journal of Applied Psychology” found that expressions of gratitude by managers to their employees result in a 50% increase in productivity (Grant & Gino, 2010). During the holidays, when spirits are high, and the year’s end draws near, a thoughtful gesture of appreciation can go a long way in reinforcing a positive work environment.

Harvard Business Review reports that health and wellness programs are not only beneficial for employees but also for employers, citing improved employee health behaviors, reduced risk of chronic disease, and lower health care costs as some of the key benefits (Berry, Mirabito, & Baun, 2010). Fit Snack steps into this arena as an ideal partner, offering a healthful and delightful way to appreciate employees.

Fit Snack offers meticulously curated boxes of wholesome snacks that are both a joy to receive and a boon to well-being. It’s a gift that respects dietary preferences and restrictions, ensuring that each employee feels valued and understood. Unlike generic holiday gifts, a Fit Snack box is a practical, enjoyable, and health-conscious choice.

The communal aspect of snacking can also serve to strengthen team bonds. Sharing a Fit Snack box in the break room invites conversation, encourages sharing, and creates moments of connection—vital components for building a strong team spirit as noted by a report from Gallup (Rath & Clifton, 2005).

The holidays are a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration. By choosing Fit Snack as your vehicle for employee appreciation, you’re not only offering a token of thanks but also investing in the health and happiness of your team.

By embracing the true essence of the holiday spirit with Fit Snack, employers can create memorable and meaningful experiences that resonate well beyond the festive season.

To learn more or to purchase, clicke here: https://www.fitsnack.com/office

References:

Grant, A.M., & Gino, F. (2010). A little thanks goes a long way: Explaining why gratitude expressions motivate prosocial behavior. Journal of Applied Psychology, 95(5), 298-308.
Berry, L.L., Mirabito, A.M., & Baun, W.B. (2010). What’s the hard return on employee wellness programs? Harvard Business Review.
Rath, T., & Clifton, D.O. (2005). How Full Is Your Bucket? Positive Strategies for Work and Life. Gallup Press.

The Alarming Facts About Stress and How to Manage It

The Alarming Facts About Stress and How to Manage It

April is Stress Awareness Month, and it’s a time to focus on a common issue that affects millions of people globally. Stress can have significant negative impacts on both mental and physical health, which is why it’s crucial to identify its signs and adopt healthy coping mechanisms.

One of the lesser-known stress facts is that it can impact our immune system. According to a study by Carnegie Mellon University, chronic stress can make us more susceptible to infections by reducing the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens.

Stress is a natural response to a challenging situation, and while it can be beneficial in some cases, prolonged exposure to stress can lead to several health problems. For instance, research has linked chronic stress to an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, and depression.

The statistics on stress are concerning. According to the American Institute of Stress, around 77% of Americans experience physical symptoms caused by stress, while 73% report experiencing psychological symptoms. Moreover, work-related stress costs U.S. businesses an estimated $300 billion annually.

Stress can manifest in various ways, including physical and emotional symptoms. However, adopting healthy habits can significantly help manage stress and improve overall well-being.

One effective way to manage stress is through regular exercise. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress hormones like cortisol and increase endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression. Additionally, regular exercise can improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted by stress.

Another way to manage stress is through meditation and mindfulness practices. Research has shown that mindfulness-based interventions can reduce stress and improve psychological well-being. Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment and accepting it without judgment, while deep breathing exercises can help slow down our heart rate and lower our blood pressure.

Diet also plays a significant role in managing stress. Consuming foods high in magnesium, such as spinach, almonds, and avocados, has been shown to reduce stress levels. Magnesium is essential for regulating the nervous system and has a calming effect on the body.

Stress is a prevalent issue that can significantly impact our mental and physical health. By adopting healthy habits such as regular exercise, meditation, and consuming foods high in magnesium, we can manage stress and improve our overall well-being. It’s time to take stress seriously and prioritize our well-being.

The Top 10 Things the Most Successful People Do on the Weekends

The Top 10 Things the Most Successful People Do on the Weekends

Weekends are not just for lounging around, but a time to refuel, recharge, and seize the opportunity to enhance productivity, creativity, and well-being. You can’t afford to let this time slip away! Here are the top 10 things that the most successful people do on the weekends that you can also incorporate into your routine:

  1. Prioritize rest and relaxation: As much as it might seem counterintuitive, downtime is essential to help reduce stress, increase productivity and improve memory, mood, and cognitive function.
  2. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise not only reduces the risk of chronic diseases but also enhances productivity and work performance. So, why not use the weekends to engage in physical activities that you love?
  3. Spend quality time with family and friends: The support and connections you have with your loved ones play a significant role in your overall well-being and happiness. Therefore, it’s important to allocate time for bonding with family and friends, which can reduce stress and provide emotional support.
  4. Pursue your passions: When you engage in activities that fulfill and satisfy you outside of work, it can significantly reduce stress and enhance creativity. It’s a chance to explore new interests, learn new skills, and add more meaning to your life.
  5. Disconnect from work: Constant connectivity to work can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and fatigue. By unplugging from work on the weekends, you can recharge your batteries and come back to work with renewed energy.
  6. Practice self-care: Engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as meditation, massage, or a relaxing bath, can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Take the time to care for yourself to recharge your mental and emotional batteries.
  7. Plan for the upcoming week: Planning for the week ahead can help reduce stress and enhance productivity by providing structure and direction. It’s an excellent way to avoid feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list and ensures that you stay on track.
  8. Learn new things: Learning new skills and knowledge can boost creativity and enhance cognitive functioning. So, why not use the weekends to read, take a course, or attend a workshop?
  9. Volunteer: Giving back to your community can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet new people, make a difference, and improve your well-being.
  10. Prioritize your health: Your health is critical for optimal performance and well-being. Use the weekends to prioritize your health by eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep.

The weekends are not just a time to unwind and relax, but also an opportunity to improve your overall well-being and success. By incorporating these top 10 habits into your weekend routine, you too can take your weekends to the next level and set yourself up for success in all areas of your life. So go ahead, make the most of your weekend, and strive for greatness! Remember, success is not just about what you do during the workweek, but also how you recharge and improve yourself during your time off.

Get Fit Faster – The Truth About HIIT

Get Fit Faster – The Truth About HIIT

Getting fit is a journey that requires dedication and commitment. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving fitness, there are some effective methods that can help you reach your fitness goals quickly.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a popular and effective method of exercise that has been gaining popularity in recent years. HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. The goal is to get your heart rate up and keep it there, which can help you burn more calories and improve your cardiovascular health.

Research has shown that HIIT can be a fast and effective way to get fit. A study published in the Journal of Obesity found that HIIT was more effective at reducing body fat than moderate-intensity continuous exercise. Another study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that HIIT can improve cardiovascular fitness and increase VO2 max (maximum oxygen uptake) in a shorter amount of time compared to moderate-intensity continuous exercise.

The beauty of HIIT is that it can be done with almost any type of exercise, including running, cycling, rowing, or bodyweight exercises like burpees or jump squats. The key is to push yourself during the high-intensity intervals and give your body enough time to recover during the low-intensity periods.

Here’s a simple HIIT workout you can try:

Warm-up: 5 minutes of light cardio (jogging, jumping jacks, etc.)
High-intensity interval: 30 seconds of sprinting
Low-intensity interval: 30 seconds of walking
Repeat the high-intensity and low-intensity intervals for a total of 10-15 minutes
Cool-down: 5 minutes of stretching
Remember to listen to your body and start slowly if you are new to exercise. You can gradually increase the intensity and duration of your HIIT workouts as you become fitter.

HIIT is a fast and effective way to get fit. It can help you burn more calories, reduce body fat, and improve your cardiovascular health in a shorter amount of time compared to other forms of exercise. Incorporating HIIT workouts into your fitness routine can help you achieve your fitness goals quickly and efficiently.