The 3 Keys to a Healthy Brain: Neuro-Nutrition, Neuro-Stimulation, and Neuro-Relaxation

I'm passionate about coming to new understandings and discoveries of the brain, but I'm even more enthused by sharing that information with others! Everything we do is based on what is occurring in the body's main "control center:" Our Brains. So if they aren't functioning properly, it can wreak havoc on our lives. Therefore, taking care of this 3 pound gem is of the utmost importance! Having struggled first hand for many years with severe depression due to lack of properly taking care of my brain, I can testify that this is certainly true! I've come to realize that taking good care of our brains is key to having a successful, abundant, prosperous, and happy life! And who doesn't want that!? :D 

Here are 3 Keys to maintaining a Healthy Brain! :-) 

Step 1: Neuro-Nutriton (Feed Yo' Brain)

In order to have a healthy brain, it's important to make sure we're giving it the right "fuel" it needs to function optimally. This means having a balanced diet of healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the brain's preferred source of energy, and if you've ever talked to anyone on a low-carb diet, you'd see the impact reflected in their mood and energy levels. For your brain's sake it's also extremely important to keep hydrated, and avoid toxins or junk foods. 

Breakfast:

For optimal brain function, start your day off with a protein- packed breakfast. This will help elevate neurotransmitters that keep your brain sharp and energized. Avoid white carbs at all costs! (The list of what to avoid is below), as these will impair your brains ability to function.

My personal favorite breakfasts are making a chia seed pudding with fruit, having a bowl of sprouted buckwheat "cereal," or a coconut-quinoa bowl! :-)
Lunch:

For lunch, try to keep things light with a salad topped with nuts, avocado, or protein. Eating too many carbs can put you into a sluggish afternoon and maybe even a slumber!

Dinner:
For dinner, having a meal of healthy carbs is ideal for helping the brain and body relax and unwind. This will stimulate the production of serotonin, and as a result, should help you sleep better. Potatoes with salad, brown rice, or gluten free pasta with a side of sauteed vegetables are all great options. For dessert, having some berries or fruit is a great way to get the "good" kind of carbs your body needs to wind down for the day. 

Best Brain Foods:

• Reds- Tomatoes, Red Bell Peppers, Raspberries, Strawberries, Red Apples
• Greens-Broccoli, Spinach, Avocado, Arugula, Watercresss, Spirulina, Kelp, Seaweed
• Purples- Grapes, Onions, Plums
• Blues- Blueberries and Blackberries
• Nuts- Walnuts, Pistachios, Almonds
• Seeds- Pumpkin, Sesame, Sunflower, Flax
• Proteins-Chia Seeds, Sprouted Buckwheat, Quinoa 

Foods to Avoid: 

• Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs or Partially Hydrogenated Oils)- Are often used in things like salad dressings (be sure to check the labels), margarine, and baked goods (like donuts, crackers, bagels, croissants, pretzels, chips, biscuits, cakes), as well as most fried foods (like chicken, burgers, potato chips, etc). 
• Hi-Fructose Corn Syrup- Is found in sodas, many bottled drinks, candy bars, cereals, bread, ketchup, canned fruit, and syrups.
• White (Simple) Carbs- Found in fruit flavored yogurt, sodas, candy, processed foods, and products containing  white flour (bread, bagels, donuts, pasta, chips, pretzels, pizza), and excess alcohol or sweetened alcohol drinks. 

Step 2: Neuro-Stimulation (If Ya Don't Use It, Ya Lose It!)
Just like with any other muscle of the body, the brain needs to be trained and have regular "work outs" in order for it to stay sharp and healthy. Like the rest of the body, if you don't use it, you lose it! A few things you can do to maintain a stimulated brain are reading books, learning new things (like an instrument, painting, jewelry making, or any skill that appeals to you), engage in new experiences, play brain games (like Sudoku, Adult Jeopardy, Speed Chess, Speed Crossword Puzzles, fast-paced card games (like bridge, poker, hearts). Websites like Lumosity also provide great brain-training and stimulating games. 

Step 3: Neuro-Relaxation (Relax Yo' Brain)

Many of our brains are over-worked and over-stressed, which can lead to a multitude of health issues later down the line if not properly addressed. One of the keys to having a healthy brain is learning how to properly manage stress. Some highly effective ways proven to alleviate stress include exercising, journaling, dancing, getting a massage, or meditating. 
Taking some time each day to relax, sit down, close your eyes, and count to ten while taking deep breaths can work wonders for relieving stress from the brain and the entire body!

I hope you found these tips for maintaining a happy, healthy brain useful. If you'd like to read more you can check out my article "Love Your Brain! 6 Things You Can Do for a Happier, Healthier Brain!"