The high school slump is real! Most days, you are able to power through the morning, but by time the afternoon bell rings you feel sluggish, tired, and really just over school in general. As much as you try to focus on your notes, you end up checking the clock more. When you feel this way, you usually think it’s because you’re tired, but it’s often because of the fuel you put in your tank hours ago.
A student’s mind is your most valuable tool you use during school, let alone in daily life, and feeding that mind allows it to function properly. Fueling your brain isn’t just about eating well, it’s about giving your mind the energy it needs to focus.
Understanding how to fuel your brain isn’t just helpful, it is the key to succeeding in school and feeling you best each day. Eating the right foods can help that.
Foods rich in healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and salmon help improve and work with memory and concentration. Whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and quinoa release your energy at a slow pace which helps keep your mind in focus without any sudden crashes. Fruits and vegetables like berries and leafy greens, have antioxidants that protect your brain so you can learn safely. Proteins like eggs, yogurt, peanut butter, cheese, chicken, and beans help support your energy keeping it steady. Carbohydrates, Proteins, Amino acids, and Lipids are all important things these foods contain that all play a part in keeping you healthy and your brain.
In a What doctors wish patients knew about healthy eating article for the American Medical Association, Dr. Jennifer Johnson said, “Your body runs best when you give it the right mix of carbs, protein and healthy fats.”
Ms. Boggs, an RCHS math teacher and the girls volleyball coach says, “I would encourage students to stay hydrated and have a balanced amount of carbs and proteins in their meals.”
Many people believe the term “fueling” means eating most of the time, but it’s also about hydration and electrolytes. Your brain feels dehydrated way before your body does. Hydration is important because it helps the blood flow through your brain, electrical signaling between neurons, maintaining mood and alertness, and your overall mental performance. There is not a perfect “one size fits all” number when it comes to drinking water, but you are generally supposed to drink half your body weight (in pounds) in ounces of water per day to maintain a healthy body and brain.
Electrolytes matter most when you’re exercising and sweating, working for many hours in a hot environment, and when you feel mentally drained. Most people don’t know it, but electrolytes are one of the easiest and fastest ways to sharpen your mental performance.
Ultimately, every part of your body should receive your undivided attention but do NOT forget about what foods and drinks you put in your body because they affect your brain more than you believe.
