Brain Food for Conferences
The Special Ingredients That Your Conference Needs
The beauty of hosting a conference is that for the period of time that you host them, you command uninterrupted attention from your attendees. Their engagement is yours for the taking, provided that you nourish their brains, and bellies, in the best way possible.
Believe it or not, one feeds into the other. That’s why our latest blog breaks down the best brain food for conferences. Read on to learn which ingredients create the perfect recipe to capture your guests’ full attention.
Feed Them the Berry Best
Berries are packed with antioxidants and are known to improve brain function. Blueberries have been shown to improve memory and concentration.
For several reasons, berries are considered a great food option for attendees to eat at conferences. First, they are rich in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which have been shown to improve cognitive function, memory, and concentration. These flavonoids can help protect brain cells from damage and reduce inflammation, which can improve apprehension.
Secondly, berries are a good source of fibre, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and prevents spikes and crashes in energy levels. This is particularly important during long conferences where attendees may need to stay focused for longer amounts of time.
Make Them Nuts About the Spread
When it comes to food for conferences, nuts are often overlooked. However, these tiny powerhouses of nutrition can provide a much-needed boost to attendees’ concentration levels. Here are some reasons why nuts are great for concentration at conferences:
- They are a great source of healthy fats essential for brain function. These fats help build cell membranes in the brain and protect nerve cells. The brain is made up of around 60% fat, and a diet rich in healthy fats can help improve cognitive function.
- Nuts are also a good source of protein, which can help keep attendees full and focused throughout the day. Protein helps regulate blood sugar levels, which can prevent crashes in energy and concentration. Eating a handful of nuts can provide sustained energy throughout the day.
Sweeten Them Up
Satisfy their sweet tooth with a fan favourite. Chocolate. The darker the better!
Not only is it delicious, but dark chocolate also provides a range of health benefits that can help improve understanding and concentration. Here’s how:
- Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that have been shown to improve blood flow to the brain. This increased blood flow can enhance cognitive function and improve concentration levels.
- It’s a good source of magnesium, which can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. This can be especially helpful during a conference that is hosted during working hours. It’s an ingredient that will help keep them in the moment.
- It’s proven that dark chocolate improves mood with a hit of endorphins. If you can help your guests enjoy the event more, why not, right?
Wholesome Meals for The Win
Incorporating whole grains like brown rice and quinoa into your planned foods for conferences helps to improve guests’ concentration throughout the day.
Whole grains are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy to your brain and body. Unlike simple sugars that can cause a quick spike and then crash in energy levels. Complex carbohydrates provide a steady stream of energy that can help you stay focused and alert during a day of meetings and presentations.
Set Up a TEA-mendous Break
Let’s be real, every great event has a spot for attendees to get their morning coffee fix. It’s the morning kicker that most need. It is very important, though, that you provide alternative options to prevent the cause of caffeine jitters. This is where herbal tea comes in.
Herbal teas like green chamomile are an excellent way to provide your guests with a caffeine-free energy boost to help them stay focused throughout the day. They provide a sustained source of energy and are also loaded with antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can improve brain function and help your attendees perform their best.
Quench Their Thirst for Knowledge
Want to make your conference H2-Oh so good? Keep guests properly hydrated.
Yes, we know that providing water is a given, so this section is more to elaborate on why doing this is good. Mineral water is important for overall health and brain health. Meaning you help everyone keep the focus.
Provide a FRESH Perspective
When choosing foods for conferences, fresh fruits and vegetables are always a smart choice. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals for brain function. Provide a variety of options, such as carrots, celery, apples, and oranges.
They provide a sustained source of energy that can help your attendees stay alert and focused, without the crash that often accompanies sugary snacks or processed foods.
Additionally, fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which help improve prolonged concentration.
The Secret Ingredient of Any Conference
At Focus Rooms, we are experts on how to help keep the, well, focus. When it comes to the catering aspect of your conference, we have now explained why healthy foods are indeed a must.
However, like all good recipes, there must be a secret naughty ingredient. One that adds the oomph. Like a big dollop of butter, or wine for the gravy – and you.
In any event, we have found that balance is the key to success. A classy cocktail or mocktail selection bar after a big day, or a decent dessert after a divine meal, are the things that make the powerful day memorable.
Want to know how else you can make your conference a success?
