I’ve been feeling rather lethargic lately, both in body and mind.  Perhaps in part to the financial stress I’ve been facing with start-up costs, and perhaps in part to working 40 hours a week for a company I no longer believe in.  Circumstance is an easy scapegoat when it comes to stress and fatigue.  Assuming responsibility requires active participation.

We often fail to consider just how healing food can be.  The food we put into our mouths nourishes our body and fuels our brain.  The ticket out of my day job is to work overtime on business development, this may require 50, 60 or 70 hour work weeks for a temporary period of time.  The only way to maintain is to treat food as fuel and eat for energy.

Top 10 Primal Picks for Productivity

1. Matcha Tea

Historically, matcha has been used by Buddhist Monks in Japan during meditation practices for it’s calming effect. Matcha contains a considerable amount of caffeine. The natural energy boost yields calm collectivity rather than the jittery explosion often experienced with unnaturally caffeinated products.

2. Leafy Greens
Green leafy vegetables are a quality source of B-Vitamins, which are “proven to help your memory, focus, and overall brain health and power.”

3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been associated with improved thyroid function, resulting in increased metabolism, energy and endurance.

4. Beets

Beets contain high levels of nitrates. Nitrates promote fresh blood flow to brain, inevitably encouraging speedier processing. Beet are also associated with increased strength and stamina.

5. Water
No-brainer or not, every single function of your body is dependent upon water. Water is critical when it comes to cellular productivity and functional effectiveness. Adequate hydration will lead to increased focus, concentration and creativity.

6. Eggs
Egg yolks contain the nutrient choline which has been linked to improved memory function and overall cognitive performance. Egg whites are out. Eat the whole egg!

7. Chia Seeds
Omega-3 fatty acids have been associated  with “aiding memory, mental performance and behavioral function.” Sounds good to me!

8. Blueberries

Blueberries are antioxidant rich foods. Antioxidants are known free-radical fighters. Their work is associated with reducing oxidative stress (the major factor associated with brain aging).

9. Cacao
Raw chocolate contains a fair amount of magnesium, natures stress-reliever. Plus, as an aphrodisiac, chocolate is associated with increasing endorphins and releasing serotonin.

10. Broccoli
Broccoli is a great source of Vitamin K, known to enhance cognitive function and improve brain power.

http://www.webmd.com
http://www.livestrong.com
http://www.doctoroz.com
http://www.marksdailyapple.com
FoundR magazine