Part 2: Nutrition and Learning

The first pillar of my mindful learning framework is nutrition. How are you fueling your brain for learning? Which foods are the best for enhancing brain function, mental clarity and memory?

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor or a dietician. This is for information purposes only.

What to drink:

- Water is always great since your body and brain need to be hydrated in order to function.

- Green tea: Green tea contains L-theanine which is calming to your nervous system and helps our brains focus

Fruits: Fruit contains so many important constituents. Fiber is important for your gut health. Antioxidants that are essential for your immune system. Glucose which is your brain's preferred fuel. Here are a few I like to keep on hand

- Apples- contain a unique fiber called pectin that helps your gut lining.

- Bananas

- Berries- these are high in antioxidants and low on the glycemic index. Blueberries are especially good for memory.

- Grapes- these actually help me sleep which is very important for learning

Veggies: Vegetables are the healthiest foods on the planet, it is true. They contain phytonutrients that are essential for our bodies.

- Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts

- Dark leafy greens: kale, spinach, collards, bok choy

Starches: While very controversial at the moment, when prepared correctly, these are essential for brain and gut health.

- Potatoes- there are entire books written about the benefits of potatoes! Seriously, they are GREAT for you

- Sweet potatoes

- Rice

The best way to learn more about what to eat to help your brain, is to do some of your own research. Here are some resources that I recommend:

- "This is Your Brain on Food" by Uma Naidoo

- "Fiber Fueled" by Will Bulsiewicz

- "The Mind-Gut Connection"by Emeran Mayer