Chickpeas Deserve a Promotion: Another Reason Why Food Belongs in Your Wellness Strategy

Workplace wellness often skips one critical ingredient: nutrition. But the science is clear--
What we eat directly affects how we think, feel, and show up at work.

We all know nutrition impacts physical health—but have you considered how something as humble as the chickpea can boost mood, focus, and resilience at work?

​Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are a type of legume packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folate. You can find them canned or dried in the beans aisle, and often in the international foods section—especially near Middle Eastern or Mediterranean ingredients.

🧠 Chickpeas = Brain Fuel for Better Workdays
Just one cup provides:

• 💪 20% of daily protein – for neurotransmitter production (dopamine, serotonin)
• 🌾 50% of daily fiber – lowers bad cholesterol and balances blood sugar
• 🔋 60% of daily iron (for men & postmenopausal women) – fights fatigue and brain fog
• 🧬 70% of daily folate (47% for pregnant people) – key for cognition and emotional regulation

Why it matters at work:
Stable blood sugar = fewer crashes.
Protein + iron = steady energy.
Folate = sharper thinking.
And the tryptophan in chickpeas? That’s your serotonin precursor—aka mood support, in snack form.
🧪 Chickpeas are also rich in magnesium, choline, selenium, and B-vitamins, which power memory, focus, and stress resilience.

How to Eat Chickpeas Without Getting Bored:

• 🥗 Toss them on salads (crispy roasted or plain)
• 🌯 Add to grain bowls, tacos, or wraps
• 🍝 Stir into soups, stews, or pasta sauces for extra protein
• 🧆 Make falafel, veggie patties, or chickpea “tuna” salad
• 🥣 Blend into hummus or mix with tahini + lemon for a creamy dressing
• 🍿 Snack on roasted chickpeas instead of chips—they're crunchy, salty, and actually do something good for your brain - my personal favorite!

Check out this link for 31 Easy Chickpea Recipes!

🔗 So what does this mean for workplace wellness?

• Smart snack strategies: Stock hummus or roasted chickpeas in the breakroom—real fuel > sugar crashes.
• Nutrition education: Share tips on brain food and why it matters.
• Biochemistry meets compassion: Food isn’t fluff—it’s a foundation for emotional and cognitive resilience.

As the New York Times points out, chickpeas are easy to integrate into meals—and they offer a powerful, science-backed boost to mental performance and physical well-being.

Because nutrition is mental health—and it deserves a seat at the table in every wellness program.

📰 Read the full NYTimes article here: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/10/well/eat/chickpeas-health-benefits-recipes.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

​💬 Got a favorite chickpea recipe or brain food snack? Drop it below—we’re building a better workplace, one bite at a time.