Letter #1
Food & Productivity ?!
I remember some of those days at school or working in a office, closing my eyes, and wishing I could simply melt into my office chair and drift off to sleep. This was an average day I would say, the crashing time was mostly operating all day long the worst moment being after lunch. I guess many of you can relate and my only refuge from feeling completely drained was sugar or coffee, which did little more than keep the pilot light going. I operated like this day after day for many years until I discovered the nasty culprit of my lethargy: The food I ate.
I mean it when I say everything changed when I began learning about the benefits of a plant-based diet. Today I feel like a new person. What I eat now gives me the continual spark of energy I need to not just “get through” the day but to thrive.
Have you ever heard someone say, “You are what you eat!” ?
In the same wave of "You are what you think" those statements have even more truth in them than you may give them credits for.
What many of us might not have considered is just how deeply its logic applies to some of the more important individual aspects of everyday life. And most of us will have to learn it the hard way.
Specifically, I’m talking about the way diet impacts work and productivity. While it’s true that we are what we eat, it’s also true that we work how we eat. That is to say, diet has a more direct impact on work output and productivity levels than most of us realize.
I obviously speak about long term dietary habits rather than on and off dietary choices. Long term will always have more impact and repercussions than occasional "detox/selfcare" choices.
Food & Productivity
We have a Second Brain !
Have you ever had a gut feeling or butterflies in your stomach? These sensations emanating from your belly suggest that your brain and gut are connected. The communication system between your gut and brain is called the gut-brain axis.
Gut Microbes Affect Inflammation. Your gut-brain axis is also connected through the immune system. ...
If your immune system is switched on for too long mostly by the food we ingest, then it can lead to inflammation, which is associated with a number of brain disorders like depression and Alzheimer's disease for example.
Lots of Plant based Foods can have a huge impact on our brain functions and support us in our daily work improving focus and productivity especially if consumed regularly. Along with fueling our bodies and healing our cells while we work on creating the best lives for ourselves! Who doesn't want that ?
Now...
5 of the best Foods I would recommend in terms of increasing Productivity are :
01.
Brown Rice.
Brown rice is a good option to have on an especially busy day since it contains magnesium, selenium, and manganese — all of which contribute to neurotransmitter synthesis, energy metabolism, and the modulation of the blood supply to our cerebral cortex. It’s also a carbohydrate-rich food, which helps fuel your brain with much-needed glucose, while its fiber content ensures you won’t crash later.
02.
Bananas.
Eating bananas plain or adding them to a smoothie can give you all the energy you need to help you power through some of the day’s hardest tasks. Filled with B-vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they help your brain synthesize neurotransmitters, which keep your thinking sharp. Consuming bananas on a regular basis has also been linked with an uplifted mood and lower stress levels.
03.
Nuts.
Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and cashews are all good options to have when you need a productivity boost. Nuts contain monounsaturated fats and amino acids, both of which play an important role in neurotransmitter function. They’re also a good source of magnesium and B-vitamins which relieve fatigue and help you focus.
04.
Berries.
Not only are they packed with many vitamins and minerals but they’re low on the glycemic index which means they don’t spike your blood sugar — giving you stable and sustained energy to focus on your important tasks. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants like berries on a regular basis has also been linked with a decrease in cognitive decline symptoms and Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly population. In other words, keep your brain sharp today with some berries and protect it for later at the same time!
05.
Oats.
Oats are one of the best sources of carbs you can eat because they contain a slow-burning carbohydrate that helps stabilize your blood sugar levels. As such, they’re a great addition to your diet if you wish to be productive all day. Oats are packed with B-vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and fiber all of which help maintain a healthy nervous system.
06.
and... Dark Leafy Greens
Consuming greens every day is a sure way to keep your brain from getting foggy and unfocused, as they’re an incredibly rich source of B-vitamins and folate, which aids in neurochemical synthesis — the building blocks of neurotransmitters. Greens are also packed with phytochemicals that prevent oxidation and the aging of brain cells.
With the right amount of attention and care, it’s easy to turn your food into fuel, using it to help make sure that you get the most out of every day.
Hope you liked this week letter!
Sending you Love and Light,
See you next week!
Lise
