Why Good-Quality Carbohydrates are Important for Brain Health

Eating good quality carbohydrates is important for brain health in the short and long term! Including healthy whole grains like this tasty Mexican-inspired breakfast burrito recipe can help you start your day off right.

*I am compensated by Reckitt, makers of Neuriva, for my involvement with Neuriva and the Brain Health Network.

Keeping your brain sharp involves many different aspects of your day-to-day choices – proper hydration, good nutrition, exercise, social connections, restorative sleep, and supplements (I like Neuriva to help support overall brain health)! These are all part of living a brain-healthy lifestyle, and if you’re an active person, you know your energy levels are impacted when healthy choices aren’t in balance.

There is no “quick fix” to keeping your brain sharp. It’s a lifestyle that involves a multi-faceted daily routine – one that requires consistent discipline to see results. Like a puzzle, you can’t reap the benefits unless you have every one of the pieces. So, do more for your brain by finding a healthy balance, like prioritizing good nutrition while challenging your skills in the kitchen by checking out my simple breakfast burrito recipe below!

The brain uses carbohydrates for energy and exercise enthusiasts, and athletes especially need to pay close attention to their carbohydrate sources! You can train your brain (along with the other parts of your body) by bettering your carbohydrate intake with the tips below.

Evaluate Your Types of Carbs

Why is it called a whole grain? Easy! It’s a grain that’s whole! In other words, its kernel contains ALL three of its original parts:

• the bran (most of the fiber is found here)
• the germ (most vitamins and minerals found here)
• and endosperm

What Are Whole Grains?

Whole grains are plant-based nutrients that are rich in complex carbohydrates and provide fiber. They also contain micronutrients crucial for metabolism, energy production, and red blood cell formation, each essential for optimal exercise and athletic performance. As the name describes, micronutrients are vitamins and minerals we need in trace amounts to be healthy!

How to Enjoy More Whole Grains

Did you know that only 2 out of 3 Americans make half their grains whole grains? (1) Look in your pantry, cupboards, fridge, and freezer—how much of your grains are 100% whole grain? Then, see where you can make the switch from refined grains to a whole grain alternative.

Give your brain a helping hand by working up to 80% whole grains! Not sure where to start? How about trying whole grains tortillas instead of those made from refined flour. Look for one of the following:

• 100% whole wheat
• 100% corn
• Whole grain blends like oats, quinoa, or brown rice

Whole Grains and Cognition

Fuel your way to better energy and focus for the best sweat-sesh while optimizing a quick recovery after your mission is completed! Whether it’s maintaining proper form when weightlifting, engaging your core with Pilates or hitting that perfect serve on the court—concentration is key!

It’s hard to stay focused without proper food! So, it’s no wonder that healthy food choices can play a role in slowing cognitive decline. (2) Diets rich in whole grains, such as the Mediterranean and Mind diet, are associated with cognition—specifically memory and attention skills. (3) Whole grains are a source of healthy carbohydrates important for brain health.

Mexican-Inspired Breakfast Burrito

You won’t miss a beat with this breakfast burrito! Cook once and enjoy again by doubling or tripling this recipe to share or eat throughout the week. It’s a colorful, balanced, and nutrient-packed dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner as well. After all, who doesn’t love all-day breakfast? Bonus – adding black beans offers potent antioxidants, known for their role in brain health. (4)