You want to be healthier and smarter? So what do you do? It is well known that exercise helps with both of these objectives, but so does your diet.

There are many foods that are believed to help the brain functions. So you may ask: “What do I feed my brain?”

Some brain foods are blueberries, fish, avocados, bananas, broccoli, oatmeal, spinach, yogurt and cantaloupe.

Be sure that the above items are natural when possible. Eating processed foods all the time will not do your body any favors. People say they cannot afford natural foods, but the vitamins and minerals make a difference. Of course, sometimes processed food is a necessary if a person does not have places to store natural food. Just be sure to read the labels of foods. All foods are not processed equally. Be sure that your fish is not loaded with mercury and other poisons. Trust the fish supplier to have the best fish possible.

Eating breakfast is a key point what will help keep you in condition both physically and mentally. It is an important meal. Be sure not to skip breakfast and make sure it is nutritious.

In summary, at each meal include fiber, Omega3 fatty acids, proteins and complex carbohydrates. All of these are important to your health.

I am glad that I am on your side. Until next time, stay healthy.

Barbara Carter is a veteran nutritionist in Rome who writes the Food for Thought nutrition column for Health Quest.