7 Experts Share Their Go-To Lunch For Hacking Mood & Productivity

My favorite brain-boosting, mood-hacking lunch (when I have time to make it!) is omega-3 laden and herb-crusted wild-caught salmon over whole-grain, stone-ground grits (hello, fiber), plus colorful veggies that are chock-full of nutrients and phytonutrients, specifically kale, sun-dried tomatoes, and bell peppers (typically the yellow, orange, or red varieties). A side of fresh fruit is my brain-boosting sweet treat. Right now, it's raspberries or sliced peaches.

I like to make some variation of a salad with greens, whole grains, veggies, and some plant-based protein to fill me up but not slow me down. The exact contents will depend on what's in my market haul from that week, but one of my favorite combos is kale, brown rice, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and black beans with a garlicky vinaigrette. On days when I have a lot on my plate (no pun intended) at work, I'll follow up my lunch with mbg's calm+ to help me get through the afternoon strong.* The supplement combines full-spectrum USDA- and EU-certified organic European hemp oil, lavender oil, and ashwagandha root and leaf extract to help me manage stress and stay on task, so it's a productivity secret weapon for me.*

My go-to lunch is avocado toast on sourdough bread with eggs sunny-side-up on top or scrambled on the side. The fat from the avocado is great for brain health, and the eggs give it protein, while the sourdough helps support my gut.

I'm big on Mark Hyman, M.D.'s "fat salad," which is loaded up with arugula, avocado, olives, canned salmon, EVOO, pumpkin seeds, and artichoke hearts. It has lots of healthy fat, fiber, protein, and antioxidants—and it's so tasty.

I try to riff off of one of my favorite salads from Sweetgreen. It has chopped kale, roasted sweet potatoes, almonds (but I'll add walnuts or cashews, depending on what I have handy), apples, and goat cheese. The kale, sweet potatoes, and apples all provide a good source of filling fiber, so I'm not distracted throughout the day by a grumbling stomach.

I always feel really focused, clear, and calm when I have tuna thanks to those brain-boosting omega-3s! I like mixing it with avocado oil mayo, fermented veggies (usually kimchi or beet sauerkraut), and spices (salt, pepper, paprika, and/or cayenne pepper, depending on my mood) and eating it with Simple Mills crackers.

I tend to make something that resembles a Greek salad but is a little different! It has chopped kale, cherry tomatoes, vegan feta, kalamata olives, diced onion, cucumber, and one roasted veggie. I switch between sweet potato, cauliflower, beets, and bell peppers. I top it off with antioxidant-rich olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and cayenne pepper for a bit of spice. If I'm extra hungry, I'll add a pita on the side.