Brain Food to Power Through the Day
Once that 3 p.m. slump rolls around, it’s easy to grab cup after cup of coffee to keep yourself going until the end of the day. There’s an easy way to avoid this however, and maintain productivity from the early morning until closing time.
What you should eat:
Eating foods like avocados provide monosaturated fats that allow blood flow to the brain and increased cognitive function. Adding an egg to that will provide lots of protein and vitamin D. Snacks such as blueberries, oranges, and banana are rich in antioxidants and potassium which can help boost connections between brain cells and help prevent memory loss. Nuts such as macadamias and almonds are another great snack to help improve memory function and retention. Guilty pleasures don’t always have to be harmful, and dark chocolate in moderation can even increase attention span, reaction time and problem-solving abilities.
What you should pass on:
Foods to skip when trying to avoid the afternoon crash are those high in carbohydrates such as processed sugars and flour. Bread and pasta will give momentary nourishment but send your energy level plummeting after a short time. Similarly, sugary drinks like soda have a long list of health consequences on top of contributing to the crash, and processed meats such as hot dogs and bacon chock full of preservatives and antibiotics will increase lethargy. A few simple diet changes during the work week can help reinforce focus and keep you powered until the end of the day.
Photos by Hallie Duesenberg.
