Here’s the thing, there are two levels here:

• Brain food that is brain food because it has nutrients that support the brain – more long-term help.
• And then there’s brain food because it helps YOU focus – short-term help.

Let’s unpack both:

FOOD THAT’S GOOD FOR THE BRAIN:

Many of these will not be a surprise – they are healthy for many reasons, not just the brain.

1️⃣ Leafy greens – High in folate (also broccoli and Brussels sprouts) which helps reduce homocysteine levels, and amino acid that has been linked to brain atrophy and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

2️⃣ Coffee and tea – Caffeine helps with focus and memory function. (I have heard that tea caffeine, especially from green tea) is the best form for your brain.)

3️⃣ Fatty fish (think salmon) – Full of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Eggs: High in choline, a nutrient that has been shown to reduce inflammation and bolster brain function. 

4️⃣ Nuts: HIgh in polyphenols which have been shown to reduce a person’s risk of developing dementia. Walnuts are particularly good because they contain ALA omega-3 fatty acids, especially good for brain function. 

5️⃣ Olive oil: rich in monounsaturated fatty acids which can help protect the brain through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

6️⃣ Berries: Contain anthocyanins, caffeic acid, catechins and quercetin which  may help improve pathways in the brain linked to inflammation, cell survival, neuronal communication and neuroplacicity.

7️⃣ Dark chocolate – it’s an antiinflammtory!

FOOD THAT’S GOOD FOR YOU:

Now let’s talk about food that’s good for you. While I do feel this is more subjective, we are all different, of course, I think there are a few universals that will get you thinking and noticing what is helpful and not so helpful for you. 

All the foods you think are an issue, probably are. Pay attention to how you feel after eating sugar and other processed foods. Simple carbs, in general, give you a sugar surge followed by a crash.

While vegetables, protein and complex carbs (brown rice, rolled oats, quinoa, etc) give you even energy, helping you to stay focused and alert.

But again, start to pay attention and notice other foods that might effect you – both postively and negatively.

Everyone is different. I happen to know carrots and sushi are like magic in my body. I feel great after eating them. (I don’t even really enjoy them that much – but eat them when I know I need to feel good for something.)

I’m not saying don’t ever eat the foods that make you foggy, especially if you love them, life is too short! 

But be judicious.

Eat around your work schedule or sleep schedule. Eat your focus foods when you need to focus. Eat your groggy foods when you want to sleep.

NSDR = Non-Sleep Deep Rest

Oh, you are going to LOVE this! Think of it as a super-charged nap.

In yoga, we call it Yoga NIdra.

Essentially it’s a guided relaxation that is extra long so you stay conscious but you relax more deeply.

If you have a fitness watch that tracks your sleep, you know that just because you are asleep, you are not relaxed. In fact, you can be very stressed as you sleep – all night or at the very least the first few hours.

As you might expect, stressed sleep is not relaxed sleep.

So if you are going to lay down for a nap, and you want to make sure you are relaxed, might I suggest a Yoga Nidra or NSDR.

You can find many free videos on YouTube, just search Yoga Nidra or NSDR. I also add how much time I have to get the correct length.

Oh, and you’re welcome! 

Just breathe it in with a couple of deep breaths  and you’ll feel your mind perk up. It’s almost magical!

A drop on the tongue? Even better. (I like to put a drop on the back of my hand to lick up – try that first. It’s a hot oil and might be too strong to take straight.)

Yep, that’s the tip. That’s it.Try it for yourself and you’ll understand why it’s all we had to say!

Have an afternoon “lull”? I used to grab a diet soda or lab-made energy drink that left me with a harsh crash.

Now I reach for a Zyng – refreshing, lightly carbonated, and where a burst of energy meets a burst of flavor!

• Provides hydrating energy
• Formulated with naturally occurring caffeine from white tea extract (35 mg per can)
• Contains vitamins A, B3, B5, B6, E
• Contains Lime and Black Pepper essential oils
• Contains no artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, or preservatives

A new flavor just came out this summer – yuzu lemonade with lavender. So good! 

I add a splash of NingXia Red or Nitro to my Zyng – it definitely tastes great and makes my afternoon more “FOCUSED”!