Fall Food to Make You More Creative

I know what you are thinking and it isn't coffee! Fall is here and therefore the beginning of a long trail of never-ending yummy eating all the way from Thanksgiving through New Year's. The great news is that the foods I'm going to list below, not only will shake your creative juices but are also seasonal and healthy. So you can just walk to your local farmers market this week end and get them all at once.

One thing to keep in mind is that I am not a nutritionist. I did some research in terms of what keeps your brain going longer in a healthy way, however. So take it from who it comes from. I'm a designer who needs to keep producing big ideas and making sure my brain is fed with the right fuel to keep going.

Give your brain carbs, omega 3 fatty acids, and antioxidants to improve creativity.


1. Carbohydrates: they are a big source of energy but choose right when it comes to it and always pick whole grains. Our body processes whole grains slowly and that provides longer hours of great ideas. Here's where you can find whole grain carbohydrates:
  • whole-grain corn
  • whole wheat bread
  • stone-ground whole grain
  • brown rice
  • whole rye
  • whole-grain barley
  • wild rice
  • quinoa
  • whole oats, oatmeal (including old-fashioned oatmeal and instant oatmeal
2. Omega 3 fatty acids: it fights depression therefore they keep you positive. Studies have shown that they improve the cognitive function (source Web MD) which includes the process of problem solving and decision making. Where can you find these foods:
  • Flax seeds
  • Walnuts
  • Oily fish such as salon, sardines, trout, tuna, and halibut
  • Seafood: oysters and shrimp
  • Grass-fed beef
  • Soybeans
  • Kiwi
  • Cantaloupe 
  • Peanut butter 
  • Spinach
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Yogurt
  • Soy milk
3. Antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene: they protect your brain, improve your eyesight, and relief stress. This is where you can find them:
  • Vitamin C: oranges, guava, sweet and red peppers, grapefruit, strawberries, brussel sprouts
  • Vitamin E: sunflower seeds, paprika, almonds, pine nuts, peanuts, dried apricots, kiwi, tomatoes
  • Beta-carotene: carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, spinach, collards, kale turnip, beets, winter squash, cabbage
That's your grocery shopping for now so that your next project is charged with healthy creativity.