We’ve all been there: it’s the middle of the work day, and you’re exhausted. While it’s not necessarily a bad thing, it certainly isn’t a good thing either. Especially when there’s still half the work day left where you’re expected to be productive.
Fortunately, there is a solution. Certain foods have been scientifically proven to increase brain productivity, memory and focus. Most of them can be readily made as a great mid-morning or afternoon snack. Check out the science behind these five foods and why you should be bringing them to work with you everyday to increase your brain power.
1) BlueBerries
Blueberries are one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits ever, and are jam-packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. Try eating a serving or two of these in the mid-morning to increase your focus and de-stress (as blueberries have been proven to help do both).
Courtesy of Blueberry Council
2) Walnuts
Walnuts are another great snack to munch on when you’re feeling tired and hangry. It’s been proven that nuts can improve your cognitive health with its high levels of protein, but they’re actually also antioxidants, too, which can improve your alertness almost immediately. Try chopping your walnuts and mixing them with some nonfat vanilla yogurt for a more filling snack.
3) Avocado
Avocado is full of ‘good’ fats that help protect brain cells and encourage both healthy blood pressure levels and blood circulation, which are two quintessential parts of feeling energized. You can either use it to top off your lunch salad, or pack it as a snack. It’s great either as an entire avocado to simply slice up and eat, or as guacamole to munch on with some pita chips.
Courtesy of Healthi Nation
4) Celery
Not only is celery one of the lowest calorie snacks in the world, its incredibly hydrating and contains high levels of luteolin, which is proven to lower the rate of age-related memory loss. It’s also an anti-inflammatory, so when you’re feeling bloated from too much salt and can’t focus at work, celery can help fix that, too. If just plain celery is too boring for you, try putting some low-fat, organic peanut butter on the top of it!
Courtesy of Cincy Shopper
5) Dark Chocolate
And finally, the tastiest of all the brain foods: dark chocolate (especially with over 70% cocoa). Dark chocolate is known for its richness of antioxidants, which, as described above, is an absolute necessity in a snack for improving brain power and cognitive function. Better yet, one study even showed that regular dark chocolate intake can increase blood flow to the brain! But, most processed chocolate still contains high levels of sugar, so eat this snack in moderation.
Courtesy of Women’s Fitness
