July 1, 2025

348: Eliminate Brain Fog: 3 Plant Foods for Focus and Productivity

Send us a text Are you tired of sitting at your desk, staring at your to-do list, but your brain just won’t cooperate? Do you find yourself forgetting simple things, struggling to focus, or feeling mentally drained—no matter how much you want to get things done? We’ve been there, and we know how frustrating and exhausting it can be. You don’t have to accept brain fog as your normal. In this episode, we’re sharing the exact steps we took to break free from mental sluggishness and reclaim our ...

Send us a text

Are you tired of sitting at your desk, staring at your to-do list, but your brain just won’t cooperate? Do you find yourself forgetting simple things, struggling to focus, or feeling mentally drained—no matter how much you want to get things done? We’ve been there, and we know how frustrating and exhausting it can be.

You don’t have to accept brain fog as your normal. In this episode, we’re sharing the exact steps we took to break free from mental sluggishness and reclaim our energy, focus, productivity, and joy—using simple, science-backed whole plant foods.

We're sharing about:

Why brain fog happens (and why it’s not just “getting older”)
The powerful connection between your gut and your brain—and how you can use it to your advantage
Three specific, delicious plant foods that can help you boost your memory, sharpen your focus, and feel more like yourself again
Easy, practical ways to add these foods to your daily routine—without spending hours in the kitchen

We know what it’s like to feel held back by low energy and mental fog, and we want you to know: you absolutely can feel better. We’re here to walk with you, step by step, and show you how exciting and enjoyable it can be to optimally nourish your body and mind.

If you’re ready to ditch the brain fog, boost your productivity, and start living the vibrant life you were created to enjoy, press play now. We can’t wait to share these life-changing tips with you!

💃🏻 Ready to learn how to actually enjoy eating whole plant foods so you can finally feel great and fully experience life? Inside Accelerator, we'll take you by the hand & walk you step-by-step through our proven 5-Step WFPB Framework so you can heal naturally & actively live your God-given dreams. Join the Waitlist Here... the Doors are Opening Soon!

🎁 Not yet a member of our FREE plant-based community, PIE? Once you're on the inside, every single podcast episode becomes searchable for you. 😲 Join the family to gain the plant-based encouragement, real health-changing ideas, and sustainable plant-based inspiration you've been praying for! 💕

🥣 Grab our Cookbook Bundles (and snag the incredible Bonuses today) to learn the simple way to make whole food plant-based eating quick, enjoyable, and sustainable.

🤔 Wondering what's in our new Thrive Cookbook? Click here for the inside scoop!

Please subscribe & give the show a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or other podcast providers. And don’t forget to share it with a friend for inspiration!

00:00 - Introduction to Brain Fog

03:12 - Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection

05:20 - Blueberries: Memory-Boosting Powerhouses

06:26 - Walnuts: Omega-3s for Brain Health

07:22 - Leafy Greens: Cognitive Protection Daily

08:56 - Resources for Whole Plant-Based Living

12:35 - Episode Closing and Call to Action

WEBVTT

00:00:00.160 --> 00:00:02.725
Hey there, sunshine, welcome to Power on Plants.

00:00:02.725 --> 00:00:13.461
This is the podcast where we show you exactly how to heal your body naturally and enjoyably, so you can finally feel good to live the full life that you deserve.

00:00:13.461 --> 00:00:21.986
Today we're tackling a topic that most every entrepreneur and professional faces at some point in their life, and that's brain fog.

00:00:22.707 --> 00:00:27.664
Have you ever been at your desk staring at your to-do list, but your brain just won't cooperate.

00:00:27.664 --> 00:00:34.509
If you find yourself forgetting simple things, struggling to focus or just feeling mentally sluggish, you are in the right place.

00:00:34.829 --> 00:00:45.530
Today, we're going to reveal three specific whole plant foods that are backed by science, which can help you clear the mental fog so you can get more done naturally.

00:00:45.530 --> 00:00:49.470
So grab your favorite plant-based cup of happy and let's get to it.

00:00:49.470 --> 00:00:52.930
Hey sister, welcome to the Power on Plants podcast.

00:00:52.930 --> 00:00:58.292
Are you tired of staring into the fridge wondering what to eat so you can just feel better?

00:00:58.292 --> 00:01:03.707
Do you want to avoid spending hours in the kitchen making complicated meals in the name of health?

00:01:03.707 --> 00:01:09.956
Would you love to leave fatigue behind and finally have the energy to do all the things you want to do?

00:01:09.956 --> 00:01:17.631
Hi, we're Jared and Anita Roussel, christ followers, health care professionals, parents of four and big fans of great tasting food.

00:01:18.141 --> 00:01:29.834
We, too, tried exercising more, eating natural and clean foods, but we still found ourselves struggling with what we thought were changes that come with age or bad genes, and we weren't finding answers the traditional route.

00:01:29.834 --> 00:01:37.081
So we dug into the research and created our secret nutritional weapon sustainable plant-based living.

00:01:37.081 --> 00:01:40.890
The truth is, you can eat more whole plant foods and it's not hard.

00:01:40.890 --> 00:01:42.412
You just need the way.

00:01:42.412 --> 00:01:48.204
That's realistic and delicious so you never feel deprived If you're ready to enjoy your meals.

00:01:48.204 --> 00:01:54.271
No longer be held back by your health struggles and actively live your life, then you're in the right place.

00:01:54.271 --> 00:01:59.549
So grab your favorite plant-based cup of happy pop in those earbuds and let's get started.

00:01:59.549 --> 00:02:03.319
Hi friend, we are so happy to have you joining us today.

00:02:03.319 --> 00:02:07.367
Now in case you're new to the show, jared and I are a husband and wife team.

00:02:07.367 --> 00:02:11.681
I'm a nurse who's also a certified integrative nutrition health coach.

00:02:12.182 --> 00:02:15.189
And I'm a physician assistant who's certified in lifestyle medicine.

00:02:15.189 --> 00:02:23.067
For years, we both spent our days helping our patients manage disease, but then, when we turned 40, anita hit a huge wall with her health.

00:02:23.067 --> 00:02:30.746
Actually, at that point, we were both carrying extra pounds and also found ourselves struggling with low energy, daily exhaustion and, yes, even brain fog.

00:02:30.746 --> 00:02:43.926
But thankfully, over time, we dug into the research, started implementing what we learned and discovered what a huge difference that food can make when it comes to healing naturally and being able to fully live the incredible life we've been blessed with.

00:02:43.926 --> 00:02:47.794
As a result, we no longer help our patients and clients manage their diseases.

00:02:47.794 --> 00:02:53.332
Instead, we help them to prevent and even reverse the most common diseases of our time.

00:02:53.659 --> 00:02:54.724
And we love it.

00:02:54.724 --> 00:03:02.715
So today we want to help you first understand that brain fog is not something that you just have to accept.

00:03:02.715 --> 00:03:07.223
It's not something that just happens, is not something that you just have to accept.

00:03:07.223 --> 00:03:08.185
It's not something that just happens.

00:03:08.185 --> 00:03:12.314
It can stem from various things, such as lack of sleep, stress and, yes, even the food on your plate.

00:03:12.840 --> 00:03:18.156
Exactly, and brain fog isn't a medical diagnosis, but it is a real experience.

00:03:18.156 --> 00:03:21.828
It's that feeling of mental cloudiness, forgetfulness, lack of focus and sometimes even confusion.

00:03:21.828 --> 00:03:24.056
You might notice it as difficulty recalling names, losing your train of focus and sometimes even confusion.

00:03:24.056 --> 00:03:30.342
You might notice it as difficulty recalling names, losing your train of thought or just feeling like your brain is running in slow motion.

00:03:30.643 --> 00:03:35.295
I remember those days so well and they were exhausting.

00:03:35.295 --> 00:03:51.350
And where it really gets frustrating is when you have all these things that you just want to experience with those you love, as well as goals and dreams of what you want to accomplish in life, like starting a business or even taking your current one to the next level.

00:03:51.350 --> 00:03:59.332
Brain fog can be a huge productivity killer, costing you so much time and money and even opportunities.

00:03:59.332 --> 00:04:05.513
But here's what we want you to remember you do not have to accept it as normal.

00:04:06.039 --> 00:04:06.943
Absolutely not.

00:04:06.943 --> 00:04:10.829
Now you may be wondering why does food matter when it comes to mental clarity?

00:04:10.829 --> 00:04:15.544
One of the answers lies in the powerful connection between your gut and your brain.

00:04:15.544 --> 00:04:20.637
When your gut is healthy, it has a tremendous impact on how your brain functions.

00:04:20.637 --> 00:04:29.512
One powerful aspect of this is the beneficial gut bacteria that help to produce things that our brains need, like serotonin and dopamine.

00:04:29.512 --> 00:04:37.572
They also create butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that helps to reduce inflammation, even in our brains, and this is just scratching the surface.

00:04:37.572 --> 00:04:40.057
What is the food that the good gut bacteria need?

00:04:40.057 --> 00:04:46.177
It's fiber, and while plant foods are filled with fiber, you won't find any fiber in animal products.

00:04:46.177 --> 00:04:51.598
So whether or not you are getting enough fiber daily can greatly impact this gut-brain connection.

00:04:52.225 --> 00:04:56.646
Now certain foods are known to boost neurotransmitter production, reduce inflammation and even protect your brain cells from damage.

00:04:56.646 --> 00:04:59.887
Reduce inflammation and even protect your brain cells from damage.

00:04:59.887 --> 00:05:09.312
In fact, research shows that specific whole plant foods can help you think more clearly, remember more and even stay focused longer.

00:05:09.312 --> 00:05:19.536
So today we're going to drill down and share three of the best specific foods for lifting brain fog, plus some simple ways to add them to your daily routine.

00:05:20.117 --> 00:05:21.958
First up is blueberries.

00:05:21.958 --> 00:05:34.463
These flavorful powerhouses are packed with polyphenols and anthocyanins, compounds that have been shown in research to improve cognitive performance, processing speed and to protect against cognitive fatigue.

00:05:34.463 --> 00:05:42.910
A three-month clinical trial found that daily blueberry consumption improved learning and list recall in older adults with early memory changes.

00:05:42.910 --> 00:05:54.127
The nurse's health study found that higher long-term intake of blueberries and strawberries was associated with slower rates of cognitive decline, delaying brain aging by up to two and a half years.

00:05:54.569 --> 00:05:59.807
So how do you get more blueberries into your life in a way that you enjoy?

00:05:59.807 --> 00:06:09.026
You can simply add them to your morning smoothie, or sprinkle them onto your oatmeal, or simply enjoy them as a snack straight out of your bowl.

00:06:09.026 --> 00:06:10.511
That's one of my favorite ways.

00:06:10.511 --> 00:06:15.028
Eat them fresh or frozen to get the same brain boosting benefits.

00:06:15.028 --> 00:06:25.757
Next, let's talk about walnuts, because walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols, which support brain cell communication and help to reduce inflammation.

00:06:26.466 --> 00:06:42.408
A study published in 2020 in the journal named Nutrients showed that walnuts improve cognitive function in humans and even animals by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body because of its antioxidant components and oxidative stress in the body because of its antioxidant components.

00:06:42.408 --> 00:06:47.098
The study also concluded that walnut consumption did not contribute to weight gain or hinder weight loss goals.

00:06:47.545 --> 00:06:48.831
So how do you use walnuts?

00:06:48.831 --> 00:06:56.959
You toss them into a salad, or blend them into delicious sauces, or grab a handful as a snack.

00:06:56.959 --> 00:07:02.387
Just a small serving a day can make such a big difference when it comes to thinking clearly.

00:07:02.387 --> 00:07:08.966
And last but certainly not least, is leafy greens like spinach, kale, collards and more.

00:07:08.966 --> 00:07:12.432
These foods are truly life changers.

00:07:12.673 --> 00:07:21.853
I couldn't agree more, because leafy greens are loaded with things like folate, vitamin K and lutein, all of which have been linked to slower cognitive decline and better memory.

00:07:21.853 --> 00:07:33.026
A standout study from the journal titled Neurology found that people who ate just one serving of leafy green vegetables per day were more likely to have a stroke, at a much slower rate of cognitive decline, than those who rarely ate them at all.

00:07:33.555 --> 00:07:34.560
Isn't that amazing.

00:07:34.560 --> 00:07:40.668
Just one single serving of leafy greens per day can make a huge difference.

00:07:40.668 --> 00:07:44.564
So then the question is how do you get more of them in your life?

00:07:44.564 --> 00:07:44.906
Right?

00:07:44.906 --> 00:07:56.646
Here are the simple ways Toss a handful of greens into your smoothie, or chop and add them to your soups and stews, or load up your grain bowl with the leafy grains.

00:07:56.646 --> 00:08:12.677
Here's the thing the more whole plant foods you eat, the better, and that's something we really want you to walk away from this episode, with Not just three whole plant foods to start boosting your brain power and your productivity, but also some big excitement that we are truly just scratching the surface here.

00:08:12.737 --> 00:08:13.519
I mean, think about it.

00:08:13.519 --> 00:08:20.598
So many people are eating the standard American diet that's filled with artery clogging foods like oils and animal products.

00:08:20.598 --> 00:08:22.923
And what happens when vessels get clogged?

00:08:22.923 --> 00:08:28.483
The nutrients your cells need cannot get into the cells and the garbage cannot escape.

00:08:28.483 --> 00:08:31.175
Do you think that process could lead to brain fog?

00:08:31.175 --> 00:08:43.285
Absolutely, but what's the possibility that if you started eating more blueberries and walnuts and leafy greens every week, that the brain fog would begin to clear?

00:08:43.285 --> 00:08:51.774
And what if you didn't stop there, but you learned this simple, exciting way to keep adding more and more of the other life-giving whole plant foods.

00:08:51.774 --> 00:08:56.500
As a natural result, you'd find yourself eating less and less of the sabotaging foods.

00:08:56.500 --> 00:09:03.001
Then your gut bacteria would grow happier and happier and your vessels would start clearing seriously.

00:09:03.001 --> 00:09:04.404
Have you seen the photos of this?

00:09:04.404 --> 00:09:05.816
It really does happen.

00:09:05.816 --> 00:09:11.148
Dr Dean Ornish did a study and you can literally see vessels opening up.

00:09:11.436 --> 00:09:12.818
I know it's amazing, isn't it?

00:09:12.818 --> 00:09:18.943
Whole plant foods are life-giving foods and that really shouldn't surprise us in light of Genesis 1 29.

00:09:18.943 --> 00:09:25.378
But maybe you're thinking that sounds great, but those aren't the things I'm used to eating, and I like the meals I eat regularly.

00:09:25.378 --> 00:09:28.370
So how in the world would I ever eat whole food, plant-based?

00:09:28.370 --> 00:09:29.615
First things first.

00:09:29.615 --> 00:09:36.660
Just start adding in some blueberries, walnuts and leafy greens every week in ways that we've shared with you here on this episode today.

00:09:36.660 --> 00:09:38.666
It can be just that simple to start.

00:09:39.086 --> 00:09:42.623
Listen, there's one thing that Anita and I are not about, and that's overwhelm.

00:09:42.623 --> 00:09:44.187
It's just not how we roll.

00:09:44.187 --> 00:09:53.144
What we are all about is making this amazing way of eating really delicious, quick and easy for you, so you can not only live a long life but fully live it.

00:09:53.144 --> 00:10:13.203
So if you just want to know how to make some of your old favorites in a super fast and easy way, like dressings and sauces that make your food taste fantastic, delicious desserts like brownie batter, hummus, the best banana pudding, or even lightning fast meals like date night alfredo sauce that's creamy and delicious, go right now to poweronplantscom forward slash cookbook.

00:10:13.203 --> 00:10:20.558
The cookbooks that you'll find there are our original go-to, tried and true recipes that make eating whole food plant-based realistic and enjoyable.

00:10:20.558 --> 00:10:22.845
You'll find them at poweronplantscom.

00:10:22.845 --> 00:10:23.886
Forward slash cookbook.

00:10:24.215 --> 00:10:39.628
And maybe you feel like I just want someone who knows exactly what to do to take me by the hand and want me step-by-step through exactly how to eat more whole plant foods, like where to shop and what to buy, and how to make eating this way work with real life.

00:10:40.096 --> 00:10:53.260
If that's you, go right now to poweronplantscom forward slash accelerator and join the wait list, because the doors only open a few times each year, and when you're on the list, you'll be the first to know when accelerator is open next.

00:10:53.260 --> 00:11:07.947
This coaching program is absolutely awesome because you'll get video trainings, including all our exclusive In the Kitchen videos, and we've even created a signature private Accelerator podcast for our members too.

00:11:07.947 --> 00:11:23.904
That means you'll not only have exclusive content for making whole food plate-based eating simple, but you'll be able to listen to every single lesson of the course while you're on the go, and the weekly coaching calls and replays make all the difference for you.

00:11:23.904 --> 00:11:30.945
Plus, jared and I are inside the community every single day answering any question and providing direction too.

00:11:30.945 --> 00:11:38.085
So go right now to poweronplantscom forward slash accelerator so that you don't miss out the next time the doors are open.

00:11:38.576 --> 00:11:46.323
Now we want to know which of these brain boosting foods are you going to add to your meals this week Blueberries, walnuts or more leafy greens?

00:11:46.323 --> 00:11:54.804
Decide right now and make sure you have that specific food in your house, because what we know is this if it's there, you'll eat it, and if it's not, you won't.

00:11:54.804 --> 00:12:05.162
Right, as you add more whole plant foods to your days and start noticing how your body feels whether it's having more energy, better focus or a clearer mind we'd love to hear your results.

00:12:05.162 --> 00:12:11.078
Come into our free group and share your experience with us at poweronplantscom forward slash pie.

00:12:11.078 --> 00:12:12.681
That's poweronplantscom forward slash pie.

00:12:12.681 --> 00:12:14.865
That's poweronplantscom forward slash P-I-E.

00:12:15.144 --> 00:12:18.990
Friend, we are so glad that you could join us for this episode of Power on Plants.

00:12:18.990 --> 00:12:27.885
If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with a friend who could use a mental boost.

00:12:27.885 --> 00:12:35.287
And remember you have the tools you need to power your body and your business optimally, one delicious bite at a time.

00:12:35.287 --> 00:12:41.096
Know that you are loved, you are prayed for and we look forward to seeing you again very soon.

00:12:41.096 --> 00:12:44.918
Thank you.