Eating
the right foods can give you a mental boost and promote healthy brain
development.
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Did you know that your brain, like your body, naturally loses some of its quickness and stamina as you grow older? Keeping mentally fit really isn’t that much different from staying in good physical shape. Both are really all about leading a healthy lifestyle. If you already exercise or work out regularly, you’re on the right track! Scientists tell us that just over 20 percent of the blood travelling through your body is delivering performance enhancing oxygen to your brain as you exercise!
Choosing healthy foods in your diet is also vital to better brain health and function. Start by cutting unhealthy fats. Cholesterol buildup can reduce the oxygen supply to your brain by almost 20 percent over time. Instead, choose healthier fats – like those found in olive oil, avocados, walnuts and salmon.
Enjoy foods rich in antioxidants,
like
strawberries or dark red kidney beans, to help nurture brain cell
health. Add
fish to reduce age related brain inflammation, increase memory, and
help your
brain send and receive messages efficiently. Eat more leafy green
veggies
– like spinach and kale. They are rich in folate which enhances your
brain’s processing power! Some studies suggest leafy greens may even
help
you avoid Alzheimer’s later in life.
Another helpful tip – keep your brain sharp by cross training your mind with variety of new and different mental challenges. Try a new board game. Or how about a crossword puzzle or Sudoku?
A recent scientific study found that survey participants who reported being happy all or most of the time were nearly twice as likely to report good health. Seeking happiness is an excellent preventive healthcare strategy. Be a little proactive - Decide to be happy! Then take steps to pursue a healthier, happier life! Exercise and healthy food choices are vital keys to more happiness – and better health!
Recognizing your mind-body link can help prevent issues such as depression, anger, and stress. Leading a healthy lifestyle can help you prevent these issues from growing or compounding into greater problems. If you just haven’t felt like yourself lately, change your habits – make time for daily exercise and at least a few minutes just for you! Take a look at your dietary habits – Are you eating healthy foods?
Over the past several decades various researchers have discovered a link between diet and levels of happiness and self-satisfaction! What you eat can have a profound impact on your mood.
For breakfast, have some oatmeal or eggs.
Both contain an amino acid which helps boost your levels of
serotonin, and
makes you feel good. The protein in egg whites will also help you burn
more
calories throughout the day! If losing weight is important to you
–
exercise frequently and try to get around 30 percent of your daily
calories
from healthy fats!
Try some blueberries with your lunch - the antioxidants in them will ward off workday stress. Finish with a small portion of dark chocolate. Chocolate is well known to help lift your mood. And chocolate has natural stimulant which boosts your energy!
Try healthy snacks in between meals if you find yourself feeling irritable or lacking focus. Choosing healthy snacks will help keep your blood sugar levels steady and prevent you from crashing during the day. Celery, apples and bananas are healthy, low-calorie options to help you avoid mid-afternoon hunger!
For dinner, kick-start your serotonin again
with some wild caught salmon. Add a side of spinach to increase
folate
levels and help ward off depression.
You can enjoy a longer, healthier life when you decide to be happy, exercise frequently and enjoy eating healthy foods!
Keep eating
healthy foods , get
a little exercise every day, and
focus on healthy
thoughts!