Given the choice what would you go for…beauty or brains? It’s a tough question, I know. Embarrassingly enough, I find myself leaning toward beauty. Statuesque, sexy and glamorous. Ok, so maybe I’m not really embarrassed by wanting to embody goddess on earth qualities. To have the ability to walk into a room and stop conversation – men drool and women sigh – pretty cool and powerful, I’d say. But…then, when I watch a beauty pageant and listen to some of the personal interviews, I realize that beauty isn’t everything. You know what I mean…contestants who can’t even recite their state’s capital, or those who offer a rehearsed answer to some unasked question that leaves you with furrowed brow and tilted head muttering “huh?” This leads me to believe that brains may have an edge. Brains don’t fade as much with age and can lead to sustainable and noteworthy accomplishments like fossil fuel alternatives and a Nobel Peace prize. Ah, the conundrum…better the world or one up some bitchy chick by attracting her crush. Hell – let’s go for both. Beauty and brains.

If you read last week’s post you may already be eating foods to enhance your beauty. So, today I’d like to report on foods that can enhance your brain. Here are a few to get you started:

Wild Salmon: Sound familiar? I guess this is a wonder food. Salmon is a great source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Research reports that these fats do great things for your brain, such as; lower dementia risks; slow mental decline; and enhance memory. If you don’t like fish you can get your Omega-3’s through supplements, and fortified foods. Other sources include flax seeds and walnuts.

Chocolate: Mmmmmm, really? Don’t get too excited as not all chocolate will do the trick. Put your Hershey’s aside and go for dark…the darker the better. When choosing aim for a 75% or above cacoa content in order to tap into chocolate’s touted cognitive and mood enhancement perks.

Blueberries: Blueberries are high in antioxidants which help to protect your brain from oxidative stress. This means that blueberries can help prevent age related mental decline keeping your mind youthful as you age.

Carbohydrates: Your body breaks down carbohydrates and converts them into fuel – glucose. Some body parts can run on an energy source other than glucose, but not the brain and nervous system. While carb restriction diets are popular, they may rob your brain of its needed energy source leaving you mentally slow and foggy. In order to keep your mind sharp make sure to eat your carbs – fruits, veggies and whole grains. Note – processed foods do not count as brain food! Here’s a tip – On your way to a big meeting, test or visit with the in-laws? Eat an apple or drink a glass of orange juice – it’s like giving your brain a quick power-up.

Ok, I should mention that too much of a good thing is not always good so make sure to follow portion sizes. If the food you are eating is unlabeled, aim for a handful or something that is the size of your fist. The last thing you want is a big head or waist. Ta-ta for now.