Foods for focus
I’ll be the first to admit, as someone who works from home and runs my own business, there are days where my schedule gets the best of me. I feel as though there are so many things to do and I get stressed about all of them at once, that it becomes challenging to stay focused on one task at a time, essentially activating my “freeze” response of the fight or flight system.
Maybe this sounds like you? I’ve been there and it feels like a cycle of needing to get things done to reduce my stress and enhance focus, but the high stress makes it hard to focus to get the things done. BUT, the awesome thing is that the awareness of doing this can be a pivotal point in healing.
Being proactive with food and lifestyle choices is a great way to start to take hold of these before they happen. The more consistent I am with these practices on the “easier” days, I am able to stick with them on the more challenging days, and I notice all the difference with my productivity levels.
Food and eating for our health and wellness are one of the most influential ways we can incorporate habits that can have a major role in preventing and/or managing chronic conditions and help to keep us living a high quality, independent life as we age.
So, you know how I’m always talking about the science behind nutrition and how the different nutrients found in food can support the. For me, this is where I help my brain and my ego understand that I will experience times where I may lose focus or struggle with completing tasks. And while some of that may be from external things that happen out of my control, there are pieces I can control by incorporating foods that have been shown to help the body focus by providing it with the energy it needs.
And like I said, this can be challenging. That’s why I created a whole 12-week course that builds consistency over time in order to make a sustainable practice that will last you long after the program ends. Build connections with others as you navigate this journey.
Healing and Harmony will offer a deep-dive into the science and art of mindful eating through yoga, ayurveda, and nutrition principles. This course will give you all the confidence and reconnect you to self-love on your journey to wellness! Details can be found here! Discount runs through February 22nd!
Below you’ll find some foods that are great for your mind and body. Try incorporating them into meals by planning with friends or trying a new recipe you found online!
Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, a brain “superfood” if you will that keeps are immune system strong by binding to free radicals. Studies have shown blueberries to help increase blood flow to areas of the brain that support concentration and memory.
Blueberries are also packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and maganese.
2. Vegetables
I am always an advocate for more veggies, as they are packed with nutrients and are great supporters of health as we age. In fact, studies show that plant based foods may help slow cognitive decline. Green leafy vegetables in particular are rich in folate, a vitamin that functions as a coenzyme for DNA formation and red blood cell formation.
Veggies are also great sources of Vitamin A,E,K, C, pantothenic acid(another coenzyme used for energy metabolism)!
3. Nuts and Seeds
Healthy fats like nuts and seeds are packed with Omega-3s, fatty acids that can support blood pressure regulation, and is linked to heart health. Omega-3s promote anti-inflammatory activity.
Sunflower seeds are high in Vitamin E, and pumpkin seeds are filled with minerals like zinc, copper, iron and magnesium! (p.s. be on the lookout for a new blog post coming soon on all the different nuts and seeds and their benefits, there’s so much to cover, they deserve their own post)
4. Green Tea
There are so many drinks out there that contain added sweeteners, sugars, and preservatives. Tea is a great alternative when you want something other than water and its great knowing it also has health benefits.
Green tea does contain caffeine, which studies have shown could have brain-boosting effects. But be mindful, too much caffeine and some people experience headaches, irritability, or insomnia. It also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which promotes relaxation and may reduce stress and anxiety levels. It can also cross the blood-brain barrier and increase serotonin, dopamine, and glycine levels in the brain!
Matcha is all the rave right now so try yourself a latte with a dash of cinnamon and honey, my fave!
5. Tumeric
A bright spice that has been traditionally used in Indian cuisine, Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties thanks to its active ingredient, curcumin.
Scientific advancements have started to understand that neurons in the brain can actually make new connections and pathways, and in some parts of the brain even increase in number.
Brain-derived neutrophic factor (BDNF) is a gene that is involved in the making of the protein to support this process and depleted levels are seen in conditions such as Alzheimer’s and depression.
Curcumin may actually help increase BDNF, which is linked to memory and learning, as well as plays a role in eating, drinking, and body weight!
There you have it! Foods that can help you focus. Try adding these into your meals, get creative and have fun as you practice of art of consistency for your wellbeing. Wellness is built from the little moments, you got this!