Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

by: AndreaDow
Total views: 517
Word Count: 360

Wednesday, May 22nd

The new reality show, Are you smarter than a 5th grader, has some pretty easy questions, but some of the difficult questions make you stop and wonder where all that knowledge went that you learned in school. What happened to that brain that stored all the valuable knowledge for our exams? Where did all of that useless information go? Recently I have entered a new decade, become an Auntie for the second time and notice a few more wrinkles around the eyes. Yes, I am getting older! Regardless of our age, how can we keep ourselves mentally sharp? I wondered, searched and found some answers that we can all learn from.

Here are some great foods to consider thanks to IDEA Fitness Journal May 2007:

Complex Carbohydrates- limit refined sugars and consume more whole-grain breads/ pastas/ cereals, legumes, barley and fruits and vegetables. Complex carbs should be 40-60% of your total intake.

Proteins- Eat 2-3 servings daily and include low fat dairy products, soy products, nuts, dried beans, eggs seafood and lean meats.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids- Aim for eating a plant source of Omega-3 rich foods daily like spinach, nuts, wheat and oat germ, flaxseed and canola oil. Try consuming 2 servings of animal sources like salmon, sardines, anchovies, herring and egg yolks twice a week.

B Vitamins- Try eating a B Vitamin rich food with every meal.
              folic acid-nuts, beets, whole grains, citrus fruits, leafy greens
              B6- whole grains, potatoes, beans, bananas, nuts, lean animal proteins and Brewer's yeast
              B12- whole grains, lean animal proteins and some soy products (fortified with vitamins)

Antioxidants- make sure to eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. For fruit, focus on red and blue berries, cherries, red grapes, plums, organes, kiwis and avocados. For vegetables, go for broccoli, beets, eggplant, spinach, kale and red bell peppers.

Vitamin E- leafy greens, wheat germ, vegetable oils, whole grains, nuts and seeds, milk and egg yolks.

Also follow these lifestyle recommendations:
Eat regularly, maintain a healthy weight, take a multi-vitamin, quit smoking, reduce your alcohol intake, and keep your brain active with puzzles and learning new skills.

Rating: Not yet rated