Why would Amen choose this instead of a sandwich or other carb-heavy meal? “I’ve seen that eliminating all common carbohydrates at lunch, including sugar, white bread, or other products made from white flour such as bagels and white pasta, potatoes and rice, can lead to dramatic differences in energy and focus in the afternoon,” he said earlier.
Also, bell peppers (especially red) are full of vitamin C, which provides your brain with the support it needs for optimal memory, cognitive functioning and mood control. A large bell pepper contains about 210 milligrams of vitamin C, while one cup (or one serving) contains about 115 milligrams. Olives, on the other hand, contain healthy fats, which are known for their brain-supporting benefits. If you want some extra brain-boosting protein and omega-3s, feel free to serve fatty acid-rich fish like wild caught salmon on top of your salad.
When it comes to dressings, amen prefers to stick with olive oil as a base, because crude olive oil can “be so healing and helpful” when it comes to brain health, he says. In particular, high-quality olive oil is rich in polyphenols, which are powerful brain-protective antioxidants.
And without further ado, here is our amen-inspired recipe. Toss all these ingredients in a large bowl and enjoy: