F-Style Chicago Magazine Issue 7 7 | Page 42

A t the very least, that means lots of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and complex carbohydrates; no processed foods; and minimal white flower and sugar. But when you spend all day confronting challenging mental and physical tasks on a photo shoot day, the brain’s nutritional demands are greater. You produce lots of oxidants in the brain when you’re working. Foods that are high in antioxidants- berries, beans, apples, tea act like flame retardants. And we can not forget about alkaline water. Remember the brain is 70 to 80 percent water and when it’s metabolically active 10 to 12 hours a day, removing metabolic waste from the brain requires optimal hydration. It is suggested to super-hydrate with two cups at the beginning of the day and avoid dehydrators like processed sugary foods, high does of caffeine and soda. Watch out for “ brain fog,” which can be evidence that you need to hydrate. It is said that coffee depletes serotonin, which contributes to a sense of well-being. If you have it on an empty stomach, that quick delivery to the bloodstream leads to more anxiety and stress. It is advise to save the coffee for midafternoon, when your hormonal and neural connections often need the boost. Eat to win- a meal plan for model winners Start your brain; ensure long- lasting energy Egg white omelet; breakfast burrito on whole grain tortilla; steel cut oatmeal with fruit; smoked salmon on whole grain bread; high fiber muesli with nuts, fruit and yogurt Lunch Fill up with out bogging down Eat a salad with meet or fish ; a wrap with vegetables; sushi; chilli, veggies and grains are packed with antioxidants to fight fatique. Snacks Sustain energy and focus Eat nuts and berries boost omega-3s and antioxidants. For something sweet, stick with citrus fruits. They contain pectin fiber, which helps you use the plant sugars slowly- compared wit the sugar rush you get from candy Dinner Lay the foundation for a good night’s sleep Eat if you’re hungry, have a healthful snack before bed- low glucose levels interfere with sleep. So does alcohol. A better bet chamomile tea, which helps induce sleep as the body cools after drinking 42/F-STYLE CHICAGO