10 Superfoods to Support the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Entrepreneurs are a unique breed of human who consistently put themselves through excessively brutal tests of the mind and body. There are constant demands to this lifestyle and as a result it can be challenging to ensure optimal health and wellness. So many of us are mission focused 24/7 and we seem to forget how important things like nutrition, exercise and sleep can really be in promoting the success that we crave and aspire to.
There is one investment that we should never neglect if peak performance is our goal and that is the choice to biohack our bodies by strategically and methodically implementing things like super foods into our normal diet. Superfoods are nutritional powerhouses that promote optimal health, wellness and the innovative spirit that is the lifeblood of the entrepreneur.
If you have found yourself dragging lately and struggling to meet the demands of your lifestyle, maybe it’s time to take a look at how you are fueling up. Consider utilizing the following superfoods to supercharge your health and create the best possible environment for your mind and body to function at their very best.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are known as an ancient Aztec superfood. They were prized for their ability to provide warriors with long-lasting energy and endurance. Today, chia seeds are an essential addition to the entrepreneurs’ diet because they support endurance, energy, hydration, focus/attention, and reduce inflammation. Chia seeds provide omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, all critical nutrients that promote the mind and body to function at their very best. Omega 3s are a really important addition to any diet as they are known to have such a dramatic impact on the way your brain functions and processes stress.
Raw Cacao
Free radicals are a general term given to a wide range of atoms or molecules that can wreck havoc on your body’s ability to fight off disease, digest food properly, and limit inflammation. Stress is one of the leading factors that promote the accumulation and proliferation of free radicals in the human body. Since most entrepreneurs juggle a wider variety of stresses than most, it is extremely important to choose foods that can counter the accumulation of free radicals.
Raw cacao is one of the most nutritionally dense foods in the entire world. It is chocked full of antioxidants that limit the damage free radicals can cause. Additionally, it is an extremely beneficial source of magnesium. Magnesium is connected to more than 300 enzymatic reactions, including the synthesis of fat, protein and nucleic acids, muscular contraction and relaxation, cardiac health and bone building. The number of benefits connected to raw cacao is growing by the day. This truly is one of the healthiest foods you could add to your diet.
Coconut Water
Coconut water not only tastes absolutely delicious, it is an exceptionally nutritious beverage choice which hydrates the body, restoring electrolyte balance and ensuring a more proper energy balance. Instead of choosing beverages like soft drinks or alcohol, consider cooling off after a long day with a tall and refreshing glass of coconut water. Proper hydration is essential but for so many of us, plain water is quite simply not appealing to guzzle throughout the day. Nature has an answer for solving this equation and it is the naturally sweet and refreshing nectar of the coconut.
Avocados
Avocados are pumped full of healthy fats that help to reduce inflammation and even aid in the proper absorption of a wide variety of vitamins. Being naturally extremely high in fiber, they are also really useful for increasing satiety meaning adding just a bit of avocado to a meal or smoothie can help you feel full and energized for a really long time. Avocados offer a decent supply of carotenoids, vitamin K, vitamins B5 & B6, vitamin c, folate and potassium. Overall, the avocado is one of the perfect foods for entrepreneurs because it offers so many nutritional benefits that can aid in combatting stress and fatigue while also promoting longevity.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a medium chain fatty acid and as a result is very easy for the body to convert into useful energy for physical activity and endurance. Compared to many other fats, coconut oil is very easy to digest and is well tolerated by most people. Being a natural antiviral and antibacterial agent, coconut oil is actually an extremely beneficial food for what it promotes in your immune system. The better your immune system functions, the better your overall health, wellness and resistance to getting sick will be. What wants to have to sit on the sidelines recovering from the flu when they could be closing deals and making millions? Not me, and if you are an aspiring millionaire, hopefully not you either! ‘
Sweet Potatoes
Top athletes around the world turn to sweet potatoes because despite their naturally sweet and delicious taste, these orange spuds have an extremely low glycemic index. This means the energy they provide is readily absorbed by the body without creating a spike in blood sugar that leads to a subsequent crash like other sweet choices such as candy or soft drinks. When it comes to adding carbohydrate rich foods into your diet, there are few better choices then a sweet potato. If you want to increase your energy levels and endurance, perhaps you should put those fatty processed white potato chips away and turn to the goodness of an all natural sweet potato instead. Believe it or not, if you slather butter all over these babies, you are actually increasing the ability to absorb the heaping amounts of Vitamin A these contain.
Kale
When it comes to greens, there is quite simply nothing finer than the elegantly refined nutrition of Kale. This bitter tasting leafy green might not be the most delicious option on this list but it is almost certainly one of the most nutritionally beneficial. Kale comes chocked full of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin K, contains a plethora of free radical busting antioxidants and even contains sulforaphane and Indole 3 Carbinol two chemicals with proven cancer fighting ability. If you want to be able to use your mind and body to the best of your ability, fuel up with nutritionally rich foods like Kale. To be a champion, eat like one.
Quinoa
Quinoa is often mistaken for a grain but it is actually a seed as a result is naturally gluten free. Containing beneficial amounts of carbohydrates and protein, plus all 10 essential amino acids, this is a food that will actually allow you to feel your very best for as long as possible. Quinoa also supplies a hearty dose of vitamins and minerals and each serving offers manganese, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium and calcium. Traditionally, quinoa was used by the Incas to aid their ability to traverse steep mountainous terrain and engage in furious warfare with their enemies. If you want to be a beast in the boardroom, consider adding quinoa into your diet.
Hemp Seeds
You may be surprised to learn that hemp seeds contain all 10 of the essential amino acids plus just 3 tablespoons contains a whopping 11 grams of protein, a variety of healthy fats and a truly impressive array of minerals including zinc, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. Like many of the other foods on this list, hemp seeds pack a huge nutritional boost in a really small package. They are great to mix into salads, yogurt or just snacked on in combination with other nuts, seeds and berries. Instead of snacking on carb and fat laden vending machine fare, consider something that will actually fuel your brilliance.
Almonds
 I may have saved the best for last. Almonds are loaded with protein, fiber and healthy fats which help to keep you feeling fresh and focused longer. These nuts have been found to reduce the risk of cancer and their Vitamin E content can help make your skin look vibrant and fresh while also aiding in your ability to enjoy exposure to the sun without developing that leather bag look. The reason why I believe almonds could just be the best option on this list is simple, they have been proven to prevent spikes in blood pressure and insulin meaning you are much less beholden to the roller coaster of energetic highs and lows. Instead of snacking on something that will increase your waistline and leave you feeling like a zombie after the sugar wears off, choose a handful of almonds when you need a pick me up. They taste great and unlike so many other snack options, they will actually benefit you.
