Ways to stay energized on the job
Blondes are more likely than brunettes to yawn during a business meeting.
Men? They nod off at their desk twice as often as women.
And Washington, D.C., leads the nation in tired workers.
These intriguing tidbits about sleepiness in the office are brought to you by ... No, not some alert human resources company, but by Pepsi.
In an effort to push its newest drink, Diet Pepsi MAX, the carbonated-beverage company commissioned a study of 1,100 workers to find the scoop on tired corporate America. The drink, a zero-calorie cola with ginseng and twice the caffeine of a Diet Pepsi, is the latest product to hit shelves targeting today's tired professional.
"Diet Pepsi MAX is all about stopping the yawn, no matter where you are or what you're doing," says Michelle Naughton, spokeswoman for Pepsi.
Similar pitches from other companies:
- Genisoy, a maker of soy protein products, says it can help you survive and thrive in the afternoon workplace.
- EBOOST, a new vitamin drink also available in tablets or powder, says it can improve your mental clarity.
With all these products to choose from, what's a worker to do?
Annessa Chumbley, a registered dietitian with Clarian Bariatric Center in Indianapolis, doesn't dog the products, and admits that caffeine, soy protein and vitamins are good things to have in your diet.
The key, she said, is balance. Don't use caffeine as the only means to boost energy. Don't binge on carbs to get a quick fix.
So for breakfast, don't eat a Pop Tart. It's high in carbohydrates and refined sugar.
"It will give you that temporary high for 10 or 15 minutes, and then you are going to come crashing down," Chumbley says.
Try a hard-boiled egg with oatmeal or a piece of toast. That protein and fat will stay in your stomach longer and carry you through to lunch.
The best combination for lunch is proteins and vegetables.
"Those are the two food groups put together that are going to keep you most alert," she says. Carbs - bread and pastas - can make you more tired.
Try chicken salad and baby carrots or a big chef's salad.
And if you are going to have a snack in the afternoon, Genisoy's Soy Crisps come in flavors like roasted garlic and onion and provide seven grams of protein.
"Why not snack on something that gives you health benefits and energy to combat that midday slump rather than something like a candy bar that will bring you right back down again?" says Janet Kim, spokeswoman for Genisoy.
Other ways to keep alert, according to Chumbley, are to drink water and exercise regularly.
It just might keep you from yawning during that boring business meeting.
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