The mind needs several ingredients to reach peak performance. It’s not just about the combination of foods you eat to provide nutrients. It’s also about what you supply it in terms of “food for thought.” Feed your mind with high-quality, healthy food and the right mental meals and you’ll be amazed at the cognitive improvements you see.
You might be wondering, “What are high-quality, healthy foods?” Or you may be thinking, “What’s the right mental meal for my mind?” Don’t worry, we got you!
Brain Food
Pretend your brain is a sports car. If you fill this sports car with regular gasoline, it may not perform the way you want it to. However, if you fill it with premium, high-octane fuel, it’ll operate with speed and efficiency, the way you’d expect it to. So, if potato chips are what you want to snack on, or you choose a deep-fried fast-food meal for dinner, we get it! They’re delicious options. But don’t expect your sports car brain to perform efficiently if you feed it that. If you really want to reach that top speed or go 0 to 60 in no time, consider these foods to get your mind racing.
Veggies
Many vegetables are full of fiber and water, which are both great for gut health. But the vegetables that aid in cognitive function are the green and leafy ones. Stock up on spinach, kale, and collard greens to feed your mind the following nutrients:
- Vitamin K
- Lutein
- Folate
- Beta carotene
Psst … broccoli contains a number of those nutrients as well!
Fatty Fish
Sorry for those of you who don’t like fish, because fatty fish, like herring, salmon, mackerel and more, are amazing sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower the levels of a protein that is often found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
Okay, don’t worry, fish aren’t the only source of omega-3s.
This nutrient is also found in chia seeds, hemp seeds, and Brussels sprouts.
Caffeine
Tea and coffee lovers alike will be happy to hear that caffeine doesn’t just boost your ability to stay awake and concentrate … studies show that it improves your memory function, too!
Nuts
Nuts are a big contributor to cognitive health! Research shows they reduce the risk of depression, are a mood booster and memory enhancer, and they increase learning and attention capacity. So go nuts for these nuts:
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Pistachios
- Pecans
- Hazelnuts
Read here to find out why these nuts are such great options.
Meals for Your Mind
Aside from food, it’s important to feed your mind with inputs that challenge it, encourage it, and change the way you think. And you can’t just feed it once … you must constantly feed it with meals that support it.
Feed Your Mind with People
WAIT! That doesn’t sound right. Let us explain! Your mind is influenced by so many different things, and because we are social creatures, people are one of the most powerful influences. So, it’s important to fill your life with people who are contributing to your life in a positive way. That means making friends with folks who not only want to see you succeed but are willing to be honest with you and explain what you might need to get there. Bonus points if those people are also willing to lend a hand to help you get there.
Boost Your Brain with Books
Whether you listen to audio books or read physical copies, the more you read, the better. And the broader you read, the better. Branching out to different genres gives you a wider perspective and helps you become a more sympathetic and empathetic person. Reading also gives you enhanced mental stamina, increased focus and concentration, and many other cognitive benefits.
Surround Yourself with Mind Motivators
In addition to the people in your life and books that you read (or listen to), what you watch or spend your time doing also affects your brain function. Binge-watching tv shows that aren’t educational, or spending time in negative environments that don’t benefit you in some way, will detract from your cognitive abilities over time. So, if you’re going to watch something, watch something that will benefit your brain. And if you’re going to do something, do something that supports your mental acuity!
Give Your Mind Your Support
Finally, make sure that you’re supporting your mind with your thoughts. By filling your mind with positive thoughts and eliminating negative self-talk, you boost the potential to lower stress, reduce chances of depression, and gain better coping skills during high-stress events.
Your Mind Will Thank You
Between the healthy, high-quality foods you feed your mind and the various positive inputs you choose to let influence your mind, you’ll be performing at 10/10 every day!
Looking to improve more than just your cognitive health?
Click the button below to read some of the tips from this wellness routine guide!
*This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.*