A scholarly diet

[QuasiModo]

I'm starting school in January after a long hiatus from academia. My diet has been total shit since thanksgiving, basically whatever I felt like eating on a whim which pretty often meant fast food and shit. I know that diet affects everything as I've done research and seen documentaries on the long reaching implications of an unhealthful diet. What kind of stuff should my face be stuffed with to promote good health and good grades (energy levels, memory, ect)? I'm picking up a multivitamin before school starts for sure, as far as making good food choices I need some guidance.

 

[brasschuckles]

Nootropics and supplements are well covered in other threads within HL. Just stick with lots of vegetables and small portions (combined with EXERCISE) and you'll be fine. Interestingly decision anxiety can be quite prominent in deciding what to eat so a well balanced and varied system might be your best bet.

 

[max_]

fruit and vegetables my good man. No nootropics or witchcraft will work for real health improvements.

 

[QuasiModo]

Ok fruits and vegetables, but which ones specifically are packed with the good shit? My dad tells me a salad based around Kale is particularly healthful, any other suggestions?

 

[addictivepersona]

^ Consider getting organic kale as kale is on the dirty dozen. :)

As far as which fruits and vegetables "specifically are packed with the good shit," just eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day and you'll get all "the good shit." ;)

 

[Shifty38]

Any salads with lovely deep green leaves - try spinach raw (give it a wash first) as it is a lovely replacement for lettuce. As for meats you can't go wrong with Chicken and Turkey breast. Turkey breast is actually better for you but lacks the moisture of chicken. Try slow baking both for 20 - 30 mins with a few fresh herbs (sage, thyme etc) and some fresh diced onion. You can't go wrong with fresh tuna although try not to eat too much - the mercury content in some fish is worrying.

Fruits are excellent also - bananas, apples, oranges or any local indigenous fruits are good.

Oh, and my special tip of the day, GREEN TEA!!! Have a few cups a day. If you find it bitter, put in a drop of honey. Alternatively, try a slice of fresh lemon. Lovely stuff. Should all help with the brain

 

[CHiLD-0F-THE-BEAT]

Nuts and fish contain 'good fats' and are proven to stimulate brain activity. Also, blueberries contain anti-oxidants that will help you avoid illness.

 

[euphoria]

A scholarly diet should include lots of different fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low fat dairy. There's a reason that variety is the spice of life. Also make sure to stay hydrated. A dehydrated brain does not function 100%! Caffeine is a diuretic, so don't overdo it. Good fats, like cotb said, are known to be very healthy for brain function. You can either eat fish a few times a week or take an omega 3 fatty acid supplement. Sleep! That's probably the most important one of all.

 

[Sturnam]

A scholarly diet should include lots of different fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low fat dairy.

I would like to highlight the whole grains part. Of course, fruits and veggies are awesome, but for me, they don't hold my hunger that long. If you add in some whole grain, it'll help keep you full until your next meal. Also, if you absolutely can't stand the taste of whole grain pasta, now they make some that are 50/50 whole grain/white, which might help ease you into it.

Another thing that helps, especially if you live alone/usually cook for yourself, is try to get small quantities of items from groceries stores, especially the fresh fruits/veggies. At least for me, this helps me to eat the fresh stuff before it goes bad, as well as preventing me from binging on just one food item. Just a nice little reminder for myself to eat healthy