In most cases, the word “productivity” has applied to your workspace, the furniture within it and how that space is set up.

After all, better work starts with a great space to work.

But there’s more to it—specifically in how you take care of yourself and your body throughout the day. Did you know that what you eat and when you eat can lead to a more productive, healthier workday? It’s true, and it’s easier than you think.

We’ve compiled a handful of tips for “productive eats” while you’re working.

Tip #1: The Most Important? Drink Water, Stay Hydrated

Water is your friend, and hydration is your body’s strongest asset. It’s both easy and difficult to drink enough water throughout the day; easy in terms of having it available, and difficult because of the options that are available.

For example: What’s the first thing many of us reach for to start the day? Yep, it’s coffee.

While a caffeine boost from a cup of java isn’t the worst thing, starting your day with water is the way to go. During the day, keep a bottle/canteen/jug of water at your workstation. The closer it is to you, the likelier you are to drink it.

Without water, the brain’s ability to think creatively and critically is hindered. You’ll be more prone to mistakes if you’re dehydrated, too, and your energy level will suffer. These factors can lead to decreased productivity, meaning a healthy, hydrated brain is central to a better workday.

Start with 10 glasses (12–16 oz.) per day and go from there. You’ll notice an improvement in your focus, your energy and your work.

Tip #2: Make a Plan to Eat, and Stick to the Schedule

Whether you’re working from home or at the office, settling into a routine—and sticking to it—is an important part of a healthier workday. This particularly applies to how and when you eat.

At home, it’s easy to work with snacks nearby. It’s easy to order takeout or delivery if you’ve had a busy day. But two quick fixes could help you eat better and work better.

First, we recommend writing down a plan for when you’re going to eat each day. Give yourself ample time (we’ll touch more on this in a minute), and make sure you’re eating a balanced, healthy meal—whether it’s a midday snack or your lunch hour.

Tip #3: Say “No” to Working Lunches

Hands up...we’re all guilty of it.

“I’m just grabbing something quick.”

Eating at the desk, whether it’s between meetings or anything else that interrupts lunch, is generally not a healthy practice. Our bodies need time to properly digest food—just as much as our brains (and moods) need time to properly enjoy it. Breezing through lunch for the sake of eating quickly isn’t good for your body or your productivity, and it can also compound stress.

Give yourself plenty of time in the day—at least 30 minutes—to get away from your desk (and your inbox) and refuel. You’ll be amazed at the change in your productivity.

Tip #4: Focus on the Key Nutrients

Eating the right things is something you’ll hear a lot—but what does that mean?

It’s about balancing what you eat and making sure you’re feeding your brain as much as you’re feeding your stomach. Research shows that a diet of protein, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables can contribute to increased brain function, focus and productivity.

On a stressful workday, about 1 in 3 (35%) people say their lunch is less healthy than on a typical day. –Source: The American Heart Association

Tip #5: Don’t Be Afraid to Prepare—However You See Fit

If you’ve seen your friends or colleagues meal prepping on social media and thought “that looks boring,” well, you’ve got company. Eating the same thing over and over all week doesn’t exactly excite everyone—but when we talk about prepping meals, we’re talking about a 24-hour window.

Think you may want a salad tomorrow? Cook and prep the chicken and vegetables the night before, make a homemade dressing if you want, and you’ll have everything ready. No scrambling, no last-minute delivery panic, no reliance on junk food.

Planning ahead can help you snack better, and having meals at the ready is a good way to remain on-task, focused and productive—because you won’t be worrying all morning about what you’re eating for lunch (we’ve all been there).

According to an American Heart Association survey, 86% of respondents said they prepare work lunches at home “most of the time,” and 91% want to eat a healthier lunch at work–period.

Hopefully these quick tips help in your efforts to eat healthier and plan for eating better during your workdays, whether they’re at home or back in the office. For more tips on being productive and how HON’s product offerings can help, please visit hon.com.