10 foods that will really do you good!

BY MOODIE FOODIE

I don’t know about you but my memory just isn’t what it used to be. I don’t even think I can blame it on stress and the chaos of daily life – you know when I’m making the school lunches, stuffing a load of washing into the machine, putting on my mascara and signing off homework books all in the same moment? The fact that the homework is signed with the mascara wand and the odd sandwich or two is washed with the girls’ sheets is not the issue...... You see, I’ve always had a good memory; I’m the one who remembers birthdays, food quirks, favourite colours and children’s names. But lately, I seem to be worse than usual and it’s time to take action. So I’m planning on eating myself back into some semblance of organisation, focus and concentration. There no one food that’s going to do it for me, so I need a variety. I just hope I can remember them all. Perhaps I need a list.....

Cruciferous veges

Containing quercetin and other antioxidants which have been reputed to improve memory, cruciferous vegetables are where it’s at. Get into some broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and cabbage. Stuck for inspiration? Try blanching some broccoli and tossing it through a salad or slicing any cruciferous crusaders and adding them to a stir-fry or perhaps a yummy healthy cauliflower cheese will help.

Try this cauliflower cheese recipe and click through the rest of the gallery for more.

Jay Rogers is a food obsessed, self-confessed moodie girl. Jay also knows that her obsession with food isn’t good for the size of her jeans. But not to be defeated, she’s written all Moodie Foodie recipes in a non-expanding-jean way. Recipes are calorie counted and fat controlled so you know what you’re eating. It’s light food for any mood.
Legumes

Chickpeas, lentils, green peas and beans are high in folic acid which helps memory (although I gotta tell you that large amounts of folic acid did not help my memory when I was pregnant!). Make a soup, include some hummus or try this lovely bright green side dish.

Try this garlic beans with toasted almonds recipe.
Leafy greens

High in folate and antioxidants, leafy greens are a great addition to your daily diet and quest for super memory. Try throwing some spinach or silverbeet into your next salad or stirfry or give yourself a super boost with this light and tasty recipe.

Try this seared tuna with sesame salad recipe.
Blue and purple fruit and veg

Contain anthocyanin, a flavonoid linked to the decrease in age-related memory loss. So fill up on blueberries, blackberries, cherries, black grapes, plums, beetroot, spanish onions, eggplant and purple cabbage. Make a fruit smoothie, salad, stir-fry or try this.

Try this roasted beetroot and fetta salad recipe.
Rosemary

Rosemary for remembrance is more than just a motto or tradition. Rosemary is a rich antioxidant proven in studies to improve the memory of office workers with just a whiff! Chop it up finely and add to casseroles, stews and pasta sauces or toss it through some of your breakfast favourites.

Try this herby mushrooms on toast recipe.
Fish

Omega 3 has long been touted as brain food. Go for fattier fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and trout, but don’t be concerned about the ‘fattier’ bit cause it’s good fat. I know, fat that’s good!

Try this pan-fried salmon with asparagus and lemon cream recipe.
Garlic

Garlic is reputed to enhance memory. Oh music to my ears, I can’t go a day without garlic. They say raw is best so I’ve given you a gorgeous light salad that uses raw garlic, but if you just can’t do that, whack it in everything – stir-fries, pasta sauces, through mashed potato.....

Try this fresh tomato, garlic and basil pasta recipe.
Nuts and seeds

Packed with Omega 3 fatty acids, nuts are great for concentration and brain health. Did you know that the brain needs lots of omega 3 for repair and health? Great options to include are chia seeds, walnuts, sunflower seeds and flaxseeds. Throw through a salad or porridge or make yourself a granola (fantastic sprinkled over fruit salad with yogurt in the morning).

Try this nutty granola recipe.
Red fruit and veg

Packed with lycopene, an essential antioxidant that helps protect your brain and improve memory. Bring on some tomatoes and red capsicum (bell peppers). Toss through salads, stir-fries, in pasta or on pizza.

Try this tomato, basil and mozzarella pizza recipe.
Chai tea

Chai tea is full of antioxidants (from the black tea), plus all those gorgeous spices. Make a cup for yourself with some honey (also making itself known as a great memory enhancer) and you’ll be remembering all over the place.

Try this chai rice pudding recipe.

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