Brain Health

Wanderlust-Nutrition-ShelleyMcKenzie

Nutrition

Brain Health

Often when we think of the macronutrient protein, we think of muscle gain and loss. But did  you know protein is an essential building block for our brain?! The neurons (the information  messengers) in your brain communicate with each other through proteins. So, protein is  required to produce key neurotransmitters which are made mostly of amino acids, proteins  building blocks.

What you eat can determine which neurotransmitters are firing within the brain and can  affect the brain by changing emotions and alter mood. For example, have you noticed when  you eat a high carbohydrate lunch your concentration plummets? Maybe you feel a little  sluggish or like you need a nap? This is because when we eat a carbohydrate rich meal, we  have just increased an amino acid called tryptophan in the brain. Tryptophan is used by the  body to make melatonin and serotonin which among other things help to regulate our  sleep-wake cycle.

Whereas, when you eat a meal rich in protein you may feel more alert. This is because you  have just increased the levels of tyrosine, a cofactor in the production of noradrenaline  and dopamine. These two brain chemical messengers play a role in alertness and energy.

So how much protein do you need? According to the Ministry of Health for Australian and  New Zealand, the RDA (recommended daily intake) for adult men is 0.84 grams of protein  per kilo of body weight and for women 0.75 grams per kilo of body weight. Or a palm size of  protein at three main meals. This may include animal sources such as eggs, chicken, fish and  red meat or vegetarian sources such as lentils, legumes, tofu or tempeh.

“In my food world, there is no fear or guilt, only joy and balance.”
Ellie Krieger

Wanderlust Nutrition Brain Health

Pesto Chicken with Chickpea Pasta

Serves 4-5

Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 500g chicken thigh, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, roughly chopped
  • 1 punnet cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup rocket or spinach
  • 1 cup mushrooms, diced
  • 250g chickpea pasta
  • 150g basil pesto
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  • Heat the oven at 180 degrees. Line a tin with baking paper.
  • Spread the cherry tomatoes over the baking paper and drizzle with olive oil.  Place in the oven and bake until the cherry tomatoes start to split.
  • Meanwhile in a medium pan heat the olive oil.
  • Cook the diced garlic and onion until browned.
  • Add the chicken thigh and cook until browned.
  • Add the green beans and mushrooms and cook until the beans soften. Stirring  occasionally.
  • Meanwhile heat a large pot of water and follow the instructions on the box for  the pasta.
  • Once the pasta has cooked drain it and add it to the chicken mix in the fry pan.  Stir well.
  • Then add the pesto into the chicken and pasta mixture and stir until well  covered.
  • Serve into your bowls and top it with the cherry tomatoes.