Unfortunately there is no single food that will instantaneously sharpen your focus or improve your concentration. However, some easy overall diet changes can work wonders to sustain energy levels for longer periods of time. Preventing energy highs and lows can actually increase levels of focus and concentration.

Energy Equals Focus

All too often we turn to coffee, energy drinks or soda when we feel that afternoon lull hit. But if we think about it, that lull, which usually occurs between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., may more likely be due to the digestion of lunch, and the state of our bodies. If you are more inclined to eat fast food, pasta, pizza or any other high fat or processed foods for lunch, you may notice a severe lack of focus in the afternoon. This is because your body is working so hard to digest all that food; there is little blood flow left for your brain.

Try a natural alternative to increase memory and focus.

If you were to eat a much healthier lunch that is lower in fat and higher in complex carbohydrates and fresh fruits and vegetables, you’d find your energy levels would stay relatively even. This is due to the way our bodies process food and turn it into sugar. Foods low in sugar and higher in complex carbohydrates take longer to be processed by the body, thereby avoiding the rapid boost and drop effect we get from highly processed foods. Snacking throughout the day on these healthy foods can boost energy naturally.

Feed Your Brain

There are foods that are better for brain function. Science has shown that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other good fats can boost brain function by keeping blood vessels elastic and preventing plaque build-up. Choose fatty fish such as salmon, tuna or anchovies, avocados, nuts or olive oil.

Antioxidants are great for all parts of the body because they clear out harmful free radicals. You can get antioxidants from so many sources; choose fresh fruits and veggies, real fruit juices like pomegranate or cherry, and from whole grains.

Increasing your iron intake as iron deficiencies are common and can cause a drop in cognitive function. Green, leafy vegetables, lean beef and supplements are a good way to go.

Whole grains are rich in antioxidants, fiber, protein and good fats. Skip the white bread and opt for one that includes “whole grain” as the first ingredient. Since whole grains are digested more slowly, they won’t cause a sugar rush or drop.

Discover a natural way to increase your focus.

Drinking water keeps your blood oxygenated and prevents dehydration, which causes fatigue and impairs concentration.

Avoid These Foods

Do your best to avoid most processed foods. Lunch at work is a great way to consume a good meal, since you can prepare it in advance. If you already have a lunch, you’ll avoid the easy route of fast food or take out, which usually supplies excess calories, huge portions and too much money. Pack a lunch at home based on the above information for maximum benefits. Avoid excess sugar, caffeine, fat and calories of most take-out food.

If you must get take out, try for a chef salad and a whole wheat roll, or a sandwich on wheat bread. Soup can be good if it’s mainly vegetables; avoid cream based soups. When ordering take-out, try to get a source of lean protein (chicken, low fat cheese, beans, and nuts), complex carbohydrates (whole grain breads or crackers) and at least two to three servings of fresh vegetables and fruits. Protein and carbs fill you up while the fresh produce keeps you energized.

Simple lifestyle changes can help you maintain focus as well. Take a quick walk after lunch if you can, or just climb a flight of stairs for an energy boost. Avoid smoking and excess caffeine as well.

Try a natural solution to increase memory and focus.

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/foods-for-better-concentration
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/brain-foods-your-kids-need
http://www.eatingwell.com/news_views/nutrition_news/smarter_foods.html
http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthy-foods-eat-brain-power