Nutrition, Focus and You

Nutrition Focus and You
Nancy Cohen RDN LDN
www.feedingthebodyfeedingthesoul.com

Do you ever feel like you can’t remember everything you need to do? Can’t remember someone’s name? You feel fatigued and not sure you are firing on all cylinders? Do you think you just do not feel as well as you used to?
There are new schools of thought today on eating well for focus. Many experts suggest to adults and children alike that eating a diet high in protein with healthy low glycemic carbohydrates will improve mental clarity and focus throughout the day. A drop off in blood sugar which can result  from  eating a high carbohydrate diet may cause irritability and loss of concentration leading to quick pick me ups that give us that “lift” we need. “Pick me ups” may include coffee, cereal bars, cookies, candy or fruits as a snack. While this is a quick solution to this feeling of dragginess- it actually perpetuates the fatigue cycle.
In addition to consuming quick treats full of simple sugars, caffeine, food additives and chemicals, we also have the concern of continually consuming foods that cause inflammation. Chronic inflammation in the body can lead to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, brain fog, poor concentration, joint pain, and digestive issues to name a few. These low levels of inflammation contribute to chronic disease therefore it is important to address for overall health and well being. You could  take every single food out of your diet and then reintroducing them one at a time to discover which food is the “culprit”- but in this fast paced world full of activities all day and evening long who has time for this?
Food sensitivities differ from a food allergy and a good way to remember the difference is that a food allergy only affects less than 5% of the population and causes a reaction within 4 hours of consumption. A food sensitivity is a chronic activation of the immune system leading to non-immediate and non-life threatening symptoms.
Without eliminating EVERYTHING from your diet and adding them back one by one, there is a simple blood test you could take . The ALCAT test will individualize your diet based on your food sensitivities. To learn more contact Nancy Cohen, RDN, LDN today. info@feedingthebodyfeedingthesoul.com or 904-687-0720

EATING TIPS FOR MORE ENERGY AND FOCUS:
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Go Organic when possible- eliminate as many chemicals from your diet as possible.
Eat 5-6 times per day. Ensure you eat a protein source with each meal to balance blood sugars. Protein foods include: nuts, dairy,meats, poultry, eggs, protein bars or other drinks.
Eat plenty of colorful vegetables
Limit caffeine- replace caffeine with water and drink  at least 8- 8 oz glasses per day.

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