what to get enough of?

Question
Hi there!

I have a very very busy schedule and Im not much of an eater so I end up eating quite little (my weight is fairly healthy though for my short height- im not underweight).   So since I eat very little AND I'm a vegetarian...can you recommend what foods I should get enough of for brain power?  I mean most of the work I do involves using my intelligence (focusing on reading and writing and speaking alot) since I am studying for a masters and working as a teacher as well.  

Please let me know what I need to make sure I eat enough of so that I can concentrate alot and so my brain does not to give up on me!

thanks!

Nada

Answer
Hi there Nada,

You seem to be in no need of expert advice at all, with your weight fine, and your spirits high. Judging from your busy and successful life you seem to have no nutritional problems at all. Obviously the amount you eat is sufficient and a steady low calorie intake need not be a problem as long as you have the build/genetic make up to sustain yourself on an energy-saving metabolism, while your activities remain stable too. Only in times of illnes will any deficiencies show up. So make sure you eat a varied diet which should cover all corners naturally if you like a healthy meal (whatever its size). The tinest energy sources are the richest, and the tinest eaters can manage them easily: think squirrel, mouse, bird and then nuts, seeds, grains.
It might be useful to know that some grains are more nutritious than others and some combinations essential for getting all the nutrients out of all the foodstuffs (classically: beans and grains must be served together. Iron and C combine but clash with calcium.etc.). Rice is filling but amaranth contains very valuable properties. Millet is great for regulating your humours but oats are life savers in winter (warming and fattening). Snacking on muesli/cruesli could be good for you, but it may use up a lot of your power on digestion. To keep the brain well fed you need to include fish (but I guess that's not an option for you) or some opt for soy (I have my reservations). But one of the fastest, surest, simplest way to keep your power station generating for you is a wholemeal (not too coarse) sandwich with cheese (& salad), nutpastes, sesamespread or kelp (perhaps marmite) extract.
Furthermore, I am of the alternative opinion that it is almost more essential to the brain: how you eat and with what relish. My own experience has shown me that using high-energy products (i.e. Dynamic-organic) adds untold value to your diet. I can also highly recommend a spoonful of pollen a day or Kombucha drink (but reputable brands may be hard to find depending on where you live). Green tea is fantastic "healthy" pick-me up for the brain - and surrogate (chicory and grain) coffees are packed with nutrients you will not find in regular coffee.
So, to sum up: if you make sure the little you do eat is jam packed with freshness and dynamics, well balanced and properly complemented you should have that MA in the bag in no time at all!
Good luck and I hope you find time in your busy schedule to eat in peace and joy.
Love Evelyn.

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