Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Feeding your Brain

Did you know that certain foods may make you smarter?

Eating breakfast has been proven to be the most beneficial meal of the day, but why? According to studies, children who eat a healthy breakfast every morning do better in school. Food, especially whole grains, provides energy and nutrients to the brain, specifically glucose, which is responsible for memory and recall. Try getting about a quarter to a third of one day’s nutrition at breakfast. Here’s an option that provides only about 450 calories, protein, B vitamins, vitamins C, A, and D, and the minerals calcium and iron:
1 8oz glass of orange juice
1 slice whole grain toast with jelly
1/2 cup oatmeal with a small amount of milk and raisins

Do you find yourself often losing focus?

Are you wondering why you’re not as alert as you want to be? Perhaps your protein intake is low! Your body breaks down protein into amino acids that serve as neurotransmitters which are proven to make you more alert.
Need Help Reading Nutrition Labels?
Check out this website for a simple tutorial on how to read basic food labels:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nutrition-facts/NU00293


Healthy Living Tip:

Summer is quickly approaching and the produce at the grocery store is looking great! Let’s take advantage of this as well as the warm sunshine. Let’s feel great about ourselves, our emotions, and our health.