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When youre stuck and cant figure out your next step for a project youre working on, you reach for the nearest snack to keep your hands active and find some tasty inspiration. But after a while, you start noticing that you are not getting any quicker, and your scale starts showing numbers you hadnt seen before.
Luckily, it doesnt have to be that way. There is food that is simple, healthy and that also inspires us. First, lets ask ourselves: What kind of food makes us creative? Perhaps we can follow the example of some great artists. Michelangelo was content with a little bread and wine while he worked. Sometimes he would forget about eating altogether. Stephen King likes to eat a slice of cheesecake before writing. Poe, Hemingway and other creative geniuses relied on liquid luck for inspiration. However, this only inspires you for a moment and initiates the development of unhealthy habits.
If you're looking for a good example when it comes to artists' eating habits, look up to Picasso, who knew and understood the importance of feeding your brain properly. He was prescribed a diet of fish and spinach, giving him a boost in abstract thinking. If you want to reach the peak of your creative powers, you should take a similar approach and feed your brain properly. Here you will find some suggestions on healthy snacks and habits that can be just as simple and satisfying as the unhealthy ones.
What to Look For In Food
There are certain nutrients and benefits you should especially look for in food: complex carbs, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Complex carbs provide the body with energy immediately while giving the brain a steady stream of glucose throughout the day. They also help with digestion and metabolism. You can find them in vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Essential fatty acids help the brain process and understand information. The two primary EFAs are known as linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linoleic acid (omega-3). These essential fatty acids are necessary for crucial processes such as proper development and functioning of the brain and nervous system, as well as the transport and breakdown of cholesterol. Sources of EFAs include flax seeds, walnuts, dark green veggies, and grains.
Antioxidants keep your brain cells healthy (as well as all the other cells) and boost your immunity. These powerful substances mostly come from fresh fruits and vegetables we eat.
Meal Plan for a Creative Day
Considering that you want to boost your creativity and energy, there's probably an ideal routine for you to eat, one that allows you to reach your creative peak and work effectively. Here is an idea on how to incorporate the above-mentioned ingredients into your meals throughout the day.
When you wake up, have a glass of water. Water has been proven to help you think faster and be more focused. It gives the brain electrical energy for all functions and processes.
Make yourself an energy-boosting breakfast. Oatmeal is a classic; it is very versatile and can be prepared and consumed in many ways. You can make oatmeal with chia seeds, or add some berries some to bring some fruit to the mix. You also can add nuts, coconut oil, whatever you choose.
If you cant function without coffee, enjoy it guilt-free. Caffeine acts as a stimulant and it will help you get your engines started and think quicker. Besides antioxidants, coffee contains important nutrients, such as Riboflavin, Potassium, and Magnesium. Also, caffeine boosts the metabolic rate, helping you lose fat.
If you need an immediate energy boost before lunch, you can snack on some dark chocolate, fresh berries, or walnuts. Whole grain bread is also a great choice for a quick snack. You can just spread some nut butter on a slice and enjoy.
The best choice for lunch is fish, rich in essential fatty acids. When properly prepared baked or broiled it has great nutritional value. Dont fry it and avoid farmed fish, get some wild salmon or mackerel instead. Have some brown rice on the side and make a refreshing salad.
When you notice youre becoming slower, it is time for another dose of caffeine. This time you should opt for green tea it also keeps us awake, makes us smarter, but doesnt have all the side-effects of coffee. You wont become jittery and have problems falling asleep; you will get a more stable energy. It will make you think quicker, but also improve your mood.
If you are still working in the evening, smoothies are a fantastic choice for dinner. Who doesn't love a nice blended drink which can have the nutritional power of a good meal? There are tons of smoothie recipes available, and most of them include fruits and other creativity-boosting ingredients that can benefit your brain and overall health.
Thoughts for a Good Night
When you feel like you need a change, try waking up your creativity by coming up with your own snacks and effectively feed your brain. Dont feel like you simply must eat only healthy food all the time. It is ok to relax sometimes, have a drink or a cookie every now and then. Just dont make a habit out of it. Take care of your body and mind and your life and work will be very creative and fulfilling.
