By Chef K.T. Murphy

How Does Nutrition Promotes Focus & Brain Health:

You have probably heard someone tell you that you are what you eat, which is partially really true. It is actually a concept that is based on fact. The facts are that if you only eat garbage, your body and brain are not going to be performing at their best. You need to eat foods rich in vitamins, and minerals, so your body and brain have all the nutrients they need to do their job successfully.

A healthy diet can help all aspects of your health, including helping manage your weight, lessening risk factors for diseases, and preventing you from getting colds and other illnesses. However, you may not think about the impact it has on your brain and mental focus.

Scientists agree that it is not clear what the exact relationship between diet and memory is, but it is thought to be the concept that a body and brain full of fat and cholesterol may be too overloaded to work properly. In turn, this means a diet full of responsible food choices will keep the body working like it should.

The problem is many people don’t know what a healthy diet looks like. There is a lot of pseudoscience out there, which may leave you confused about what foods are the best foods for overall health, as well as specific foods that are beneficial for brain functions.

Here are some examples of what you should eat to help your health, focus, and overall brain functioning at its best.

Foods You Should Be Eating

• Whole grain products, like pasta and breads. Also remember that starches are not bad for you, if you don’t eat too much.

• Many types of fish, such as salmon and tuna. You may also eat poultry and red meat, but limit your intake of saturated fat.

• Fruits and vegetables, especially brightly colored ones. Leafy greens, berries and bright cauliflower or beets are great choices.

• Nuts and beans. Anything from almonds to peanuts will work. Garbanzos and lentils are great choices too. Seeds give you vitamin E that supports age related cognitive decline.

Eating good-for-you foods can help all your parts perform better and make you feel more positive about yourself. Additionally, there are a few other things to keep in mind if you want to improve your concentration besides a balanced diet.

Other Tips

There may be things you do day to day that impact your health negatively, so try to make these positive changes for better health overall, including a healthy brain.

• Eat breakfast. Breakfast sets the energy tone for your day, and has been shown to improve student performance and concentration over kids who do not eat a healthy breakfast. Try a whole-grain cereal, protein-rich yogurt, or an egg-white omelet.

• Limit sweets. Cake and cookies are delicious, but should not be eaten every day. When you want something sweet, pick up a piece of fruit.

• Drink water. Water is a necessary part of any diet, so make sure you are drinking enough. If you find it hard to drink it straight, add a slice of lemon to it. You may also drink green tea.

• Exercise. Getting the recommended amount of exercise is another great way to keep your brain working in tip top shape. It can also help you relax and stop worrying.

• Don’t deny yourself. When you want nothing more than a piece of chocolate, eat it. When you desperately need a cup of coffee, drink it. Don’t feel bad about it. Even some unhealthy things are fine in moderation.

Once you have converted to a healthy diet, and instituted these other tips, know that you are doing something good for body and mind. Use your newfound focus to get more tasks done or to take up a new hobby.

Hope it helps, All the best XoxoX

Chef Murph

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