Protein perk

If you want to be mentally sharp, the tip is to avoid loading up on sugary foods. While most of us don't realise it, carbohydrates consumed alone (cake, pastries, ice-cream, sugary cereals, plain pasta etc) can act as 'downers' for the brain, ultimately leading to mental fatigue.

To maximise mental alterness eating protein-rich foods either alone or along with sweet and starchy foods has been shown to block the build up of serotonin in the brain (the sleep-inducing neurotransmitter that many think is the reason carbs can make you drowsy).

Food-mood researcher and Professor of Pyschology of the University of Health Sciences at the Chicago Medical College in the United States, Bonnie Spring has found while protein-rich foods can't make you smarter, they can block the brain-dulling effects of carbohydrates.

Fortunately, you don't have to consume a lot of protein to achieve this. Dr Spring says studies show that including 10 % of protein in a meal prevents serotonin surges thereby helping the brain to stay 'up'.

Although most of us might normally reach for lollies just before a meeting, or during a long drive, the lack of protein can result in fuzzy-headedness. Better options would be milk with a sweet biscuit, tuna in a salad sandwich, meat with pasta, a serve of low-fat yoghurt or handful of nuts. Be mindful that fat is also a downer; because it takes so long to digest it can make brain functioning sluggish.

When you're busy but needing to remain alert, an ideal sweet snack is a protein-enhanced bar such as Aussie Bodies Protein FX, or Healtheries gluten-free Simple Snack Bars. However if you prefer a savoury fix, try Aussie Bodies Protein Crisps; a mouthwatering munch of 20g protein with just 10g carbohydrates and under 2g of saturated fat. Convenient and yummy, these snacks will help you avoid brain drain when you least need it. Who ever said that food can't be therapeutic?!