Nutrition Is Vital to Entrepreneurial Success

Often, it’s the small daily things that to lead to big differences, and research finds nutrition may be the tiny ingredient crucial to entrepreneur success. A study by Brigham Young University found employees with unhealthy diets were 66% more likely to experience a loss in productivity when compared to healthy eaters. For overwhelmed entrepreneurs, this loss of productivity can make or break a new business.

Just simple changes to daily diet can have a huge impact on productivity. The study found employees who only occasionally eat fruits, vegetables and low-fat foods at work are 93% more likely to have a greater loss in productivity.

“This research certainly suggests the value of health promotion programs in workplace environments,” said lead-author Ray Merrill, a professor in BYU’s Department of Health Sciences. “Making fruits and vegetables available to employees in the workplace and having leadership who play a supportive role with employee wellness is critical to office productivity.”

In combination with nutrition, hydrations plays a vital role in entrepreneurial success, but during the hustle and bustle of the busy day it’s easy for entrepreneurs to forget to keep drinking. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition showed dehydrations leads to “headache symptoms, loss of focus, a sense of fatigue and low mood both at rest and during exercise.” These issues aren’t characteristics of a successful entrepreneur.

“If you’re too busy nursing a headache or counting down the hours before you can take a nap, you can kiss goodbye to any progress being made on the professional front.” said Kaya Ismail, founder of Employ the Internet. “If anything, your bottom line is going to suffer thanks to your lazy hydration habits.“

But the negative results of poor nutrition and hydration can be reversed with just minor attention to self-discipline. “In a world of instant gratification, good nutrition also provides the energy to meet deadlines, to stay focused during long meetings and to think clearly through complex tasks,” said Linda Cuda, a registered dietitian.

“The right foods, at the right time, can increase your brainpower, help you beat the afternoon slump, increase your patience and reduce irritability – setting the tone for healthy work relationships, as well as a healthy waistline.”

The entrepreneur grind is hard enough without additional self-sabotage due to poor diet decisions. By focusing on high-quality nutrition, entrepreneurs can find the extra energy, motivation, and brainpower they need to find success.