FOOD FOR THOUGHT

How to improve your concentration through food

Brain foods for better focus

While there’s no magic food that will instantly boost your brainpower, certain "brain foods" can enhance your focus. Leafy greens (like kale and spinach), fatty fish, berries, and caffeine can help keep your mind sharp.

Check out the research from The Food Revolution Network, where they list the top 10 best and worst foods for your brain. Avocados, blueberries and COFFEE complete the top three on the Best list while unsurprisingly processed foods high in saturated and trans fats, processed meats and red meat round out the top three on the worst list.

Top Ten Best and Worst Foods

Food is more than just food

However, during stressful times, you might crave comfort foods. This is normal! Our gut and brain are connected, and food can trigger the release of serotonin, our body’s natural “feel-good” chemical.

Like everything else in life, balance is key. There’s no reason to feel guilty for indulging in a treat now and then, but it’s important to have a balanced diet rich in colorful vegetables and to drink plenty of water.

“Be kind to yourself during stressful moments,” advises Dimity Dutch, a dietitian and PhD candidate in the Caring Futures Institute (Healthy Start to Life Area of Focus) within the College of Nursing and Health Sciences."

“In high-stress situations, the priority might not be nutrition, but rather detaching, calming, and getting yourself regulated. Food is more than just nourishing your body with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.”

One size does not fit all

Figuring out how to eat to improve your focus during stressful times can be challenging enough, but social media makes it even harder. While your feed might offer some cool recipes, it’s not always the best place for nutrition info.

“Unfortunately, it’s really easy to claim the title of nutritionist or dietitian online. Sometimes, reputation comes from having a large following or posting viral videos, rather than actual training,” explains Dimity Dutch.

There’s no magic, one-size-fits-all recipe when it comes to diet, and it’s important to remember that the next time you’re scrolling through your feed. Social media can bombard us with different messages about what we should and shouldn’t eat, which can add even more stress.

“Pay attention to where you’re getting your information. What works for one person might not be right for everyone. One size does not fit all,” says Dimity.

A golden tip for deciding what to eat to stay focused during stressful times is to listen to your body.

“Try to step away from social media and tune into your body cues—when you’re hungry, when you’re full, and what foods you actually like. It’s hard to do that when you’re overwhelmed with information,” suggests Dimity.

“We spend a lot of time thinking about our food rather than feeling it.”