I’m sure that you’ve heard me talk a lot about the importance of developing the right mindset as an entrepreneur and agree, but never really thought much about how foods can impact your outcomes and focus as a business leader. Research has shown that diet is vital in optimizing brain function, energy, productivity, and innovation which are critical for company founders.
Finding the right diet to lean into as an entrepreneur might seem elusive, but it is not as challenging as it seems. For starters, there are a few main principles to abide by such as including low glycemic index foods for stable blood sugar and energy, Omega-3 fatty acids for brain health, antioxidants to fight stress, as well as ensuring proper hydration for better cognitive performance. The foods that best adhere to these principles include fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, blueberries which improve memory and brain aging, eggs which support neurotransmitter functioning, avocados for brain health and energy, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and dark chocolate which improves blood flow to the brain.
We can even take it a step further. There are certain foods that improve creativity specifically, such as berries because their antioxidants protect neurons. Turmeric is another wise choice as it is anti-inflammatory and boosts both mood and memory. Don’t be shy about reaching for green tea either as it stimulates relaxation and focus at the same time. Fermented foods like kimchi and yogurt, through gut-brain axis, help with cognition and mood. Finally, raw cacao nibs increase dopamine and endorphins.
There are also some tasty options to enhance your productivity including those that support dopamine, neurogenesis, and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). Excellent choices here are leafy greens, egg yolks, lion’s mane mushrooms, sardines, and bone broth.
So, what is the ideal diet for an entrepreneur? Because founders benefit from options that support resilience, mental stamina, decision making, and sleep quality, their ideal diet might contain the following foods:
- Matcha: Gentle caffeine plus L-theanine for sustained focus.
- Quinoa: Balanced protein and carbs for steady energy.
- Almonds and walnuts: Great snacks for the brain.
- Turkey or tofu: The tryptophan helps regulated sleep and mood.
- Chia seeds: Contain fiber and Omega-3’s and provide hydration support.
- Dark leafy salads with avocado and grilled salmon. This may be the entrepreneur’s perfect power lunch.
- Turkey lettuce wraps with sweet potatoes and a side of kimchi: This would be great for an entrepreneur’s dinner because it aids with immunity, mood, provides complex carbs, and fosters sleep and rejuvenation.
As you can see, determining your ideal diet is critical for developing the mindset and focus of a successful entrepreneur. Beyond just eating the right foods, founders should also ensure that they remain hydrated, avoid sugar crashes by minimizing refined sugar and carbs, incorporate mindful eating (reducing stress while improving digestion and mood), and opt to practice intermittent fasting which can improve focus and reduce brain fog. So, why not grab some almonds and dark chocolate and give it a go?