10 Foods that help women focus

Caffeine

Sip on some caffeine to kick-start your ability to focus; the key is moderation. Too much caffeine and you'll end up jittery and unable to concentrate.

Sugar

Just a spoonful of sugar can give your brain the boost you're looking for, although the effects are short-lived. Snack on a something naturally sweet such as fresh fruit, or reach for brain food like whole grain carbohydrates such as pasta to improve your attentiveness without expanding your waistline.

Learn how to make healthier fruit choices >>

Fish

Serve up fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids twice a week to give your brain the vitamins it needs to develop and function properly. When possible, choose a fish that has a low or no mercury content, such as salmon and herring.

Find out 5 easy ways to get more fish into your diet >>

Blueberries

Help protect your brain from Alzheimer's disease and dementia by chowing down on blueberries. Studies also show a link between lab animals and improved learning ability when it comes to this blue fruit.

Popcorn

Adding foods to help you focus can be as simple as popping popcorn. Puffed with vitamin B6, B12, and E, these crunchy munchies are believed to enhance your ability to focus as well as your memory and brain power.

Avocados

This creamy fruit not only helps lower bad cholesterol and reduce risk of plaque buildup to enhance blood flow and fuel your brain power, it's also high in omega-3 fatty acids. Avocados are a great alternative to seafood for those who aren't fans of fish.

Nuts and seeds

Grab a handful of your favorite nuts or seeds to fill up on antioxidants and proteins to help you keep your mind on track. Nuts and seeds also help give your brain long-term protection against the decline of your cognitive functions.

Discover the best nuts for your health >>

Green vegetables

Gobble down green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale, parsley, brussels sprouts and swiss chard to keep your mind sharp, thanks to their high amounts of folic acid.

Low-calorie breakfast

To improve your attention span, fuel up your body in the morning by diving into breakfast. Be sure to include fruits, dairy and cereals that are high in fiber and low in calories.

Check out our best low calorie recipes for healthy breakfast ideas >>

Supplements

If you can't get in enough focus foods each day, talk to your doctor about adding supplements to your diet. Brain-boosting vitamins like B, C, E, and nutrients like beta-carotene, magnesium, ginseng and ginkgo are thought to help enhance your memory and ability to focus.

To get the most out of foods that help women focus, Peter K, health coach and Block Talk Radio's fitness director ( peterkfitness.com) suggests: "Choose smart carbs; whole grains, fruit, vegetables, at least 1-2 hours before your task. Avoid large meals or drinks laden with fat, sugar and salt. They will impair your ability to focus." In addition, the key to keeping your concentration includes a good night's sleep, exercise and hydration. So fill up on brain food, quench your thirst and slip on a sleep mask to get ready for a fully focused you!

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