Best way to keep energy high

To keep mental energy high, avoid a large meal before demanding cognitive work and support the neural systems that promote alertness.

• 1. Jocko Willink’s approach: He says he feels clearer when he hasn’t eaten much, so he skips food before client work and podcast recordings—drawing a parallel to not eating before military missions when he needed to perform. 1 2
• 2. Neural energy: Huberman describes neural energy as involving the catecholamines dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, alongside cortisol; he distinguishes this alertness-related energy from calories alone. 3