By: Janine LaForte, Real Life Nutrition.
It’s 2 PM; your to-do list is still two pages long and you just noticed the headache you’ve had since lunch—which you worked through. You reach for a coffee, but it’s your third (okay, maybe fourth) one of the day and it’s not helping. Sound familiar?
As a Registered Dietitian for 25 years and a woman entrepreneur, I totally get how hard it is to prioritize nutrition when you’re wearing all the hats: CEO, admin, social media manager, parent, partner, and more. You’re busy building your empire and it’s easy to put yourself last. But here’s the truth:
Nutrition is the business strategy most people miss.
Good nutrition is key to keeping your brain sharp, your energy levels up, and your stress at bay. When you fuel your body with a variety of nutritious foods throughout the day, you’re setting yourself up for success. On the other hand, skipping meals and surviving on low-nutrient foods can quickly lead to fatigue, irritability, headaches, and poor concentration—a tried-and-true recipe for burnout.
Why Good Nutrition Is Good for Business
You probably already know that food gives you energy. But it’s how you fuel your body that determines the quality of that energy. When you eat in a way that supports your health and well-being, you feel more on top of things, focused, and resilient.
If you’re leading a team, better workplace nutrition can mean more productivity, fewer sick days, and happier employees.
If you’re running the show solo, you are your business, and when you’re run down, everything slows down.
Let’s talk about how you can put this into practice in a realistic, doable way.
Small Shifts = Big Impact
At Real Life Nutrition, we’re all about practical strategies. Small, simple steps will bring more nourishment into your day—and your team’s, too.
Start with Breakfast
Skipping breakfast is one of the most common habits I see, and it usually backfires. Your metabolism needs that morning kickstart to stabilize blood sugar and wake up your brain.
Keep it simple: pair protein (eggs, Greek yogurt, nuts) with fiber (fruit, veggies, whole grains) and healthy fats (avocado, nut butter). Breakfast is your first power move of the day, and a way to show up fully for your business.
Stock Better Snacks
For your team: provide fruit, granola bars, or trail mix in the staff room. For yourself: stock your desk drawer or pantry with grab-and-go options like fruit, nuts, muffins, or energy bites for a quick boost on those non-stop days.
Take a Real Lunch Break
This doesn’t mean eating behind your laptop or grabbing fast food in the car. Give yourself permission to take a proper break.
If you lead a team, create a welcoming space where people can enjoy their food, connect and recharge. Bonus points if you get outside for a 5 or 10-minute walk—it clears your head and boosts productivity all afternoon.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Keep a water bottle at your desk and set a reminder every 30 minutes if you need to. This can also be your cue to stand, stretch, or move your body, which is also key to staying energized.
Use Your Health Benefits
If your insurance plan includes access to a Registered Dietitian, don’t let it go to waste, and make sure your team knows about it too.
Bring in an Expert
Invite a Registered Dietitian in (YES this is something I do!) to host a hands-on workshop or inspiring talk. It shows your team that you care about their wellness, which builds trust, loyalty, and engagement.
There’s No Such Thing as Perfect
It’s not about eating “perfectly.” It’s about consistency, balance, and variety—giving your body what it needs so you can do the work you love and live the life you desire.
Ask yourself: How do I want to feel throughout my workday? Energized? Focused? Calm? Then ask: What can I do to support that?
Real Life Nutrition Can Help
At Real Life Nutrition, we work with businesses and organizations to make healthy eating doable and sustainable—even with your busy schedule.
From workplace wellness workshops to hands-on cooking sessions, we meet you where you’re at. Whether you're hoping to build a healthier workplace culture, bring your team together, or take better care of yourself, Real Life Nutrition offers engaging, hands-on experiences that make good nutrition feel doable.
Remember: when we fuel our bodies, we fuel our business and that’s what keeps us going for the long haul.
My name is Janine LaForte, Registered Dietitian and founder of Real Life Nutrition. Reach out janine@reallifenutrition.ca or follow along @reallifenutrition.rd to learn more.