Shannon

Shannon is a South Florida-based neuroscientist and the founder of The Outsmart, a company she created to help people understand how their brains work to live longer, fuller lives. After hearing her speak at an event at The Flamingo House, we asked if she’d give us the dish on what she typically eats because we were curious how her work influences her approach to nutrition. Read on to learn about how she eats for a healthy mind and body.

Do you have any restrictions on what you eat?

Yes! I refuse to eat fast food and packaged food (I’ll fast instead), have only certain types of dairy in moderation ,and consume as little sugar as possible (including things that metabolize to sugar–fruit, bread, beer, simple carbs). However, I love croissants and don’t restrict those because I love them so much!

What is your go-to healthy lunch?

A supergreen smoothie packed with ginger, turmeric, probiotic, wheat grass, spinach, kale greens, lemon, and banana with a mini plate of quinoa or yucca, and lots of non-processed healthy fat–salmon, avocado, kosher brisket, etc.

“My motivations and inspiration for healthy eating come from within now, knowing how the brain operates and listening to my body.”

What do you normally snack on throughout the day?

I don’t really snack. Since I started eating superfoods 95% of the time, I find I’m not hungry and don’t think to snack. If I do…nuts, veggies, healthy protein or fat.

How often do you eat out or do delivery? 

Depends on how busy I am! Sometimes I order delivery 4 times/week, but I choose restaurants that uphold a very high standard of quality in their ingredients. My favorites, that I can think of off the top of my head, from West Palm to Miami…

• Darbster (so delicious)

• Merkai Juice Kitchen

• Subculture Coffee

• Moon Thai & Japanese

• Johan’s Joe

• Chris’ Taverna

• J & J Fresh Kitchen

• PurGreens

• 4th Generation

• Farmer’s Table

• Myapapaya

• Beehive Kitchen

• Carrot Express

• Whole Foods prepared foods…

When you eat out, are there any staples you always order?

Usually a bowl packed with LOTS of organic good fat (for the brain), grass-fed/free-range/wild-caught protein, superfoods, and antioxidants (nutrients for the immune system). My staples are more about the quality of the source and the standards that the restaurant upholds when purchasing ingredients.

What’s your Starbucks/coffee shop order?

I go to the hipster joints! They blend the coffee so well and make pretty designs that I love! My go to is a cortado with oat milk ❤ YUM!

Cocktails, wine, or neither? What’s your drink of choice? 

I always go for mezcal, tequila or natural wine.

What’s your fave cookbook, website, or Instagram account for food inspo?

Um…I don’t really have one. My way of eating is a mixture of all of the things that have personally worked for me over time. My motivations and inspiration for healthy eating come from within now, knowing how the brain operates and listening to my body. I personally LOVE the way I eat and feel incredible eating the things I do, so there’s no inspiration needed anymore! It’s just part of who I am now.