Your brain is running 24/7 to manage your thoughts, movements, breaths, and all important needs! It requires premium fuel to work well. By choosing high-quality foods that contain many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to fuel your brain, you can improve your moods and increase mental capacity. Keep these steps in mind to become your brains champion:
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain valuable substances called antioxidants that protect your cells from damage. Antioxidants ensure your brain is able to maintain its memory and reasoning skills. In addition to antioxidants, fruits and vegetables are also high in fiber, low in saturated fat, and a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Choose healthy fats
Warning! Saturated fats found in animal products (e.g. high-fat dairy and red meat) and processed foods could lead to memory problems. Choose lean cuts of meat, low-fat dairy products, and foods that are high in healthy omega-3 fats (e.g. fish, nuts, and seeds). Diets high in healthy omega-3 fats may help maintain energy and memory.
Cut down on refined sugars
Diets high in refined sugars promote inflammation and may affect your thinking skills. Refined sugars are commonly found in the form of white grains (like bread, pasta, rice), baked goods, and juices. These foods require little digestion and spike your blood sugar. When your brain is flooded with high amounts of sugar you can experience changes in mood or concentration.
To avoid these large spikes in blood sugar, choose foods such as whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and whole fruits that require a breakdown in your stomach and intestines. The extra breakdown results in gradual absorption of sugar into your blood and gently supplies your brain with fuel.
Get moving!
Physical activity protects memory, preserves thinking skills, improves mood, and reduces stress. Choose simple activities that increase your heart rate such as walking, household activities (e.g. mopping the floor, vacuuming, washing windows), and dancing.
Brain health is a very important component of overall wellness. Put your brain first!
The meals served at our local meal sites include a variety of foods that will help preserve brain function for years to come.