Easy Ways to Use Food for Focus
We have all had times where we need to focus either at work, in a class, or taking a test and our brain just doesn’t want to concentrate. It can be frustrating, but by paying attention to our diet we can actually improve our focus and our memory. How cool is that? Now, let’s dive in and talk about what you should be incorporating into you diet on a daily basis so you can reap all those mental benefits.
Foods for Focus Tip #1 – Water
We all know that we are supposed to drink water, but I don’t think we always realize what a big role it plays into how we feel and how we focus. Our brain is actually comprised of 80% water! That means even if you are mildly dehydrated (and it doesn’t take much to become dehydrated) it can negatively impact our mood. It can make us feel anxious or depressed and when we feel that way it may be hard to focus. In addition, it saps our energy levels that also negatively contribute to our ability to focus.
So, you might be asking how much you need to drink to stay properly hydrated. It will actually depend for each person, but a good rule of thumb to start is to drink half your weight in ounces each day.
Foods for Focus Tip #2 – Healthy Fats
You may have grown up like me thinking all fats are bad. When I would go to the grocery store most of my cart was filled with “fat free” items. Yes, some fats are bad such as:
Trans fats: Also known as “hydrogenated” vegetable oils, trans fats are in many processed foods and baked goods
Lard
Fried foods
However, there are several good fats that we want in our diet that are good for our brain such as:
Avocados
Flax seeds
Cold-water fish such as salmon
Nuts
Oils: coconut oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil
Foods for Focus Tip #3 – High quality protein
We want to make sure we are eating high quality protein throughout the day. Look for words such organic, hormone-free, antibiotic-free, free range and grass fed. Protein helps us stay full. Some examples are:
Eggs
Fish (wild, not farmed)
Lamb
Turkey or chicken
Raw nuts
High-protein vegetables such as broccoli and spinach
Food for Focus Tip #4 – Herbs and Spices
What we add to our food is just as important as the food itself. There are many different herbs and spices that are good for our brain will therefore help us focus. Some to keep in mind next time you are at the store include:
Rosemary
Thyme
Sage
Cinnamon
Garlic
Oregano
Conclusion for foods for focus
If you find yourself having trouble focusing or know that you have an event coming up that you need to be alert and focused for, try one or more of the tips provided above. Small tweaks to our daily routine and diet can really make a big difference in our ability to focus and our memory capabilities. Grab my FREE checklist for brain healthy foods that you can take with you on your next trip to the supermarket.