Picture this: you start your day, and you're in a good groove. You're knocking off goals one by one, you're feeling more productive than ever, and you even managed to put on real clothes today. You are winning! And then 3 pm rolls around. You slowly start to notice your focus waning and your energy taking a nosedive. This is often referred to as the midday slump. It's when we're most likely to aimlessly scroll on our phones, start to be easily distracted, and when we may feel the need to reach for some caffeine or sugar.
Tons of people experience this throughout the workweek, but there are ways to cure it. It's long been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and, whether or not you subscribe to this belief, there are certain foods that you can implement into your morning routine that energize the body and mind for optimal sustained productivity.
AVOCADOS
Avocado toast has become a millennial breakfast staple, but aside from the cute photo ops, this healthy fat and whole-grain duo is a perfect start to your morning. Avocados are rich in nutrients that not only keep you fuller longer but also boost your brain's functioning. They also help reduce high blood pressure, so they're a great option for adding to smoothies (for a creamy texture!) or using it as a garnish for an omelet or frittata.
BERRIES
Full of antioxidants and easy on the digestive systems, berries are a great addition to any morning meal routine. Throw them on top of oatmeal, yogurt, or just by themselves and reap the benefits of improved communication between your brain cells. Antioxidants are also helpful in reducing inflammation and brain decline.
OILY FISH
If you're a bagel and lox girl, you're on the right track. Omega 3s are a great source of brain food, and oily fishes such as salmon and tuna are full of them. By increasing blood flow to the brain, omega-3s are said to improve our thinking abilities. So try adding a little smoked salmon to your breakfast sandwich.
NUTS
Many people are switching to nut-based and dairy-free options as milk substitutes; however, this doesn't just affect digestion. Nuts are a great source of protein as well as the very antioxidant Vitamin E. As we get older, our brains are under much more stress as we pile in more things to remember—Vitamin E helps relieve this pressure. Almonds, sunflowers, and hazelnuts are all excellent choices for this brain benefit. Try sunflower seed butter on a piece of whole-grain toast or replace your coffee creamer with a hazelnut or almond milk substitute.
That hour isn't coming back until the fall, sis. So, let's make sure we're giving our bodies the necessary fuel to make it through our jam-packed schedules!