Sharpen your axe for peak brain function
August 26, 2011 by Catherine Pritchard
By Catherine Pritchard, Radiance Healthcare Centre
Do you go too long without eating? If you often go from breakfast to lunch or lunch to dinner without eating, you are not getting the most of out of your day. (Coffee doesn’t count!)
You can increase your productivity, mental focus and overall energy by simply taking the time to eat something small every 3-4 hours. Sounds simple, I know, but I can hear all of you saying, I don’t have the time to eat regularly, I am just too busy! There is an old saying: If you are given 4 hours to chop down a tree, spend the first 2-3 hours sharpening the axe!
If you are not eating regularly then you are using a blunt axe to run your business and your life!
So how does eating regularly sharpen your axe? It’s all about blood sugar control. Your brain needs fuel to function. It actually uses over 20% of your blood sugar to function optimally. When you go too long without eating, your blood sugar drops too low, resulting in decreased energy available to your brain to think, focus and maintain an upbeat mood. Big highs and lows in blood sugar from eating either high sugar, high GI carbohydrates, lollies/chocolate and softdrinks will also affect brain function due to the erratic supply of blood sugar to your brain.
So even though you are busy, it’s vital that you create the time to have something small every 3-4 hours.
When you put a priority on doing this, you will think, feel and perform at a higher level.
Here are a few tips to help you get organised and begin eating frequently for optimum brain function:
- Every Monday, bring a week’s supply of fruit to sit on your desk to eat daily
- Buy a bag of organic unsalted, unroasted almonds and keep on your desk to nibble. If portion control is a problem, put a small amount into snack lock bags to prevent over-eating.
- Make some bliss balls. There are plenty of recipes on the net. Healthy, full of protein and good fats, these are really yummy!
- Fresh vegetable juice (not the packaged ones)
- Carrot, celery, zucchini, capsicum sticks with hummus, salsa or avocado dip
- Ryevita with goats cheese, tomato, avocado, ricotta, salmon or sardines
- Ryevita with almond nut butter (like peanut butter, but better for you)
- Muesli bars (low sugar variety)
MORE GREAT BLOG POSTS BY CATHERINE PRITCHARD
- Eight Ways to Minimise Headaches
- Kick start your year with a healthy, scientific detox
- Surviving the Silly Season – 10 Healthy Tips
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Catherine Pritchard - Radiance Healthcare CentreCatherine is a scientific naturopath who is experienced in working with business women to increase their energy, motivation and productivity. Her innovative programs are based on the latest research and incorporate simple dietary changes so that you can get the most out of each and every day. Prior to commencing her career as a naturopath almost 10 years ago, Catherine was an industrial chemist in an oil refinery. Her scientific background caused her to seek out the latest technology to assess your health, energy and vitality. In conjunction with a thorough assessment, these state of the art tests allow her to personally prescribe you the most suitable nutrients that will make the greatest impact on your health and wellbeing.
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