Eating healthy and living well is a bigger issue than your waistline - poor dietary habits can also take a toll on your careers, claims a new study.

When we eat well, take in proper nutrients and stay active, we are making the choice not only to ensure our long-term health, but also to impact our long-term success in the workplace.

A 2005 study conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) based in Geneva found that poor nutrition negatively impacts the morale, safety and productivity of workers.

Small lifestyle changes make you healthier, fitter

It was reported that poor diet on the job is reducing productivity in countries around the world by as much as 20 percent.

This study highlights why working better and furthering your career goals are additional reasons to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

`If you aren`t giving your body the tools it needs to function, including a balance of nutrition, rest and activity, you aren`t giving your mind the tools it needs to execute mental tasks,` said Dr. Dian Griesel, co-founder of the Business School of Happiness, a blog and publisher of books that encourage individuals to ask themselves important questions that will lead to greater self-awareness, happiness, accomplishment and success in everything they do, professionally and personally.

`Part of being content in life is knowing that you ended your work day doing your best. For those people who struggle to get through the work day and struggle with their productivity, it is critical that they take a hard look at their eating habits,` said Dian.

Let`s look at some high energy foods to beat the afternoon slump

`If people would stop eating and drinking boxed, bagged and bottled products, I can guarantee that their quality of work would go up. Choosing a banana over a bag of chips will make a greater impact on your energy level than most may think,` said Business School of Happiness co-founder Tom Griesel.

Whether it is a small choice between a banana and a bag of chips, or a larger lifestyle shift such as wiping out processed foods from your diet, it is important to start living a healthy lifestyle today.

`Focusing on your health and the nutrients you put into your body is a critical way to strengthen your life and your career,` said Dian.

`My sister and I have learned from a wealth of professional training, life lessons and personal growth experiences how important it is to take care of our bodies and our minds. Healthy eating is just one way to take the first step down the path toward overall well-being,` said Tom.

Text courtesy: ANI

Image: Flickr/creativecommons mnapoleon