Super Foods for Your Diet

In an image-obsessed society, so many dieting fads come and go. Society got one thing right: diet is very important. But it’s not just about looks; you have to keep your mind sharp. You never know when you’ll need to make life or death decisions.

And believe it or not, what you put in your body will influence the choices you make. In a crisis, you want your focus, memory and mood to be at optimal levels. Here are seven foods and beverages that will keep you at your mental best at all times.

Superfood #1: Sweet Potatoes. Making the top of the list are sweet potatoes. They have natural sugar and are a great source of magnesium. Sweet potatoes’ natural sugar means you won’t be getting any blood sugar spikes – which lead to fatigue. Also, the magnesium is known for helping with relaxation and anti-stress.

Superfood #2: Almonds. Nuts are so easy to carry around, especially if you’re on the go. Almonds, specifically, have huge health benefits such as preventing cognitive decline and sustaining memory. Be sure to keep your house stocked with them and maybe keep a pouch or two in your desk at work.

Superfood #3: Fish. One of the greatest things found in certain fish (and fish oil) is omega-3 fatty acids. There’s a healthy dose of them in fish such as salmon. They help to preserve brain function. And, omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to positive emotional health.

Superfood #4: Leafy Green Veggies. Vegetables such as collard greens, turnip greens, kale and spinach are rich in Vitamin B, which boosts focus and memory. These vegetables are also filled with carotenoids (which give green vegetables their color). Carotenoids also protect the brain and boost brain power. Any of these vegetables would also make for a great base for a smoothie.

Superfood #5: Green Tea. For many years, this China-based tea has been a go-to drink for yogis and health enthusiasts. It’s not a surprise. Green tea is filled with antioxidants. It’s also a good source of natural energy. It’s proven to help with alertness and is associated with an increase in creativity. If you ever find yourself in a crisis, creative problem solving is very important.

Superfood #6: Water. This one might seem obvious. The health benefits of water are infinite. Of any beverage to drink, this is the one your body needs the most. You’ll die without it. Consider carrying a reusable water bottle around to remind you to drink frequently. Most folks know that water can help flush the body of waste, but what they don’t realize is that it can also boost your mood. Without it, you’ll suffer from dehydration. And that can lead to a crabby mood, not to mention confusion. When you drink water, you help your mind gain clarity.

Superfood #7: Eggs. We circle back around to Vitamin B. Eggs are a great source of it. That’s significant because Vitamin B is a mood booster. Even more, eggs carry Vitamin D, which helps to fight depression. So eggs work on both the defensive and offensive sides to ensure a stable and positive mood.

Supplements can be a big help as well. Below are three that help boost brain health:

Supplement #1: Fish Oil Tablets. If you aren’t big on eating fish, there’s the option of taking fish oil omega-3 gel tablets. You can get them at your nearest health or nutrition store. Even some grocery stores carry them.

Supplement #2: B Vitamins. If you opt not to eat Vitamin B-rich foods, you can always get a Vitamin B pill. Just head to the vitamin store. Vitamin B12 is particularly known for giving an energy jolt. Consider talking to your doctor to get a Vitamin B12 shot.

Supplement #3: Vitamin D. The same goes for Vitamin D. Another alternative is to sit outside in the sun for 30 minutes. The sun is an excellent source of Vitamin D, and a quick walk outside in the sun will do wonders for your attitude.