Eating smart: improve your mood, memory and focus through food

We’ve all heard the expression, ‘you are what you eat’ but how about, ‘you think how you eat’? Making more balanced, healthy food choices in your day can have an amazing impact on your capacity to think, work and make decisions. In fact, there’s actually a link between diet and mental health.

Making smarter food choices can impact just about everything:

• mood
• productivity
• energy levels
• stress levels
• concentration
• memory
• problem-solving skills.

Better brainpower foods

The busier our lives become and the older we get, the more important it is to give our brain the fuel it needs for clarity, focus and emotional resilience.

They’re not called ‘brain foods’ for nothing.

• Fatty fish like salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids essential for high brain function
• Leafy greens are packed with powerful antioxidants including vitamins A, C and E
• Tea and coffee are great for your mental agility. Enjoy a cup or two between 10am and 1pm
• Eggs are the ‘rock stars’ of vitamin B12 and folic acid which are key for memory.

“Rollercoaster eating can make you feel tired, irritable and stressed.” 

Kicking the 3pm slump to the curb

Choosing sugary cereals for breakfast followed by sweet snacks during the day can hinder your productivity when that sugar crash hits in the afternoon. And while not all cravings are bad, you can learn to curb the ones that are.

To enjoy longer lasting energy during the day:

• Eat every 3-5 hours
• Plan your meals and snacks in advance
• Select foods that are high in protein, fibre, carbs and healthy fats e.g. salmon
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with dark chocolate, fruit, yoghurt with berries.

Your balanced meal and snack inspiration begins here...

The secret to enjoying nutritious, mood-lifting, tasty food without spending hours in the kitchen is: simplicity and almost no prep time.

“For healthy and satisfying 3pm snacks, think protein bars, chickpea crisps, hummus with vegies...” 

Food for thought

Diet and nutrition play a vital role in your mental health and agility. Every meal you choose can feed your brain helping to keep your mind quick and youthful. By being more selective with your meal and snack choices, you can satisfy your tastebuds as well as your brain’s power to help you work smarter. Foods like fatty fish, healthy proteins, wholegrains, berries, natural sugars and even caffeinated beverages can promote clarity and sharp thinking.

From complex problem-solving and conquering a to-do list, to writing a successful business pitch or even doing the Sunday crossword puzzle, the brain is our best friend – let’s treat it like one.

All information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only. The information provided should not be relied upon as medical advice and does not supersede or replace a consultation with a suitably qualified healthcare professional.

Sources:

Diet and mental health | healthdirect

The three best healthy stress foods (cbhs.com.au)

Smart ways to keep your brain healthy | healthdirect