As creatives, writer’s block or burnout can happen, and often we remedy that with some much-needed rest or pause on our projects. Something to take into consideration is fuel for our physical bodies.
Don’t forget, our brain is a high-performance organ, the focal network behind our creativity. It makes up about 2% of our body weight but uses roughly 20% of our daily energy. That being said, nutrition plays a foundational role in how we show up within the art work we do.
Living in Hawaiʻi, we have access to five nutritious superfoods that have sustained communities for generations. No single food is a “magic pill” for great ideas but the following can help provide steady energy and micronutrients that support cognitive function like pattern recognition, emotional intelligence and fine motor coordination.
Think of it as prepping the canvas: good nutrition helps create a more stable environment where your creativity has the best chance to flourish.
Kalo (Taro)
The Science: Kalo is a complex carb, high in fiber and low in the glycemic index compared to many refined grains. This means it releases glucose into your bloodstream at a more measured pace. It’s a good source of Vitamin B6, which plays a role in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which help regulate mood and motivation during long hours of a project.
Application: If you’re a novelist, painter, or long-form editor, endurance can be a challenge. Consuming Kalo, whether as poi, steamed corms, or pa‘i ‘ai, may help provide sustained energy needed for long-term concentration.
‘Ulu (breadfruit)
The Science: ʻUlu is unique among starchy fruits because it has Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential components for brain structure. A diet with these acids can help support communication between neurons, potentially making it easier to navigate complex brainstorming sessions.
Creative Application: Think about including these ingredients to help support cognitive processing when you are trying to get in the flow in a collaborating setting and making new connections between ideas.
‘Uala (sweet potato)
The Science: It is rich in anthocyanins, antioxidants that are known for their ability to protect neurons from oxidative stress. Consuming these sweet potatoes can help your body manage the metabolic byproducts of a heavy workday, potentially leading to better mental clarity.
Creative Application: It’s an excellent choice for the post-production phase. It’s nutrient dense and good recovery food for any task that requires high visual acuity and long screen time. The “brain fog” you feel often stems from oxidative stress that occurs during periods of high mental output.
Limu (seaweed)
The Science: Limu is an excellent source of iodine and magnesium. Iodine helps regulate energy levels and emotional temperament while magnesium helps support a healthy nervous system response, which can help you stay grounded during high-pressure moments.
Creative Application: You can incorporate limu into performance preparation, especially if you’re a live entertainer. It can be eaten in various ways including dried (nori) and in many ahi poke and salad options. It can provide a mineral-rich boost that supports your body’s ability to remain calm and focused when it’s showtime, whether you’re at a gallery opening or theater show.
Māmaki (pipturus albidus)
The Science: This native Hawaiian plant is caffeine-free but contains catechins and rutin, which help support healthy blood flow, ensuring the brain receives the oxygen it needs. It gives a sense of “alert relaxation,” which can help you enter a “flow state” more easily than high-stimulant alternatives.
Creative Application: While many artists rely on caffeine to power through the day, the subsequent “crash” can disrupt the creative rhythm. Brewing a cup of Māmaki tea as a pre-studio ritual can be a psychological cue for a time to focus, helping you sharpen your creative eye without the shakiness that can accompany coffee. You can find Māmaki tea products in local grocery stores.