Brussels Sprouts Are Mind Fuel: How John Wick Uses This Mental Health Superfood
- Bruce Schutter
- Jun 27
- 5 min read
It was a quiet Tuesday afternoon when I spotted him—John Wick. Yes, that John Wick. The man who can take out an entire room with a pencil, who once fought off 12 assassins with a broken teacup, and who now stood… very carefully selecting Brussels sprouts at a farmer’s market.
“John?” I said, cautiously approaching the Warrior of Precision and Tactical Vengeance.
He turned. Slowly. Intentionally. “Bruce,” he said with a nod. “I’ve been reading Mind Fuel for a Mental Health Warrior.”
Well. That explained the Brussels sprouts!
The Warrior Program
John knows my story—20 years of struggling with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD. It left me feeling so powerless, that I tried to end my life. But in that moment of absolute darkness, I discovered something powerful: Mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge!
With that knowledge, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program—a bold new SELF-HELP approach, designed to put YOU in charge!
So, you can take charge of your emotions, you can rise above any challenge and build the life you really want.
And one key part of that program? Fueling your mental health with the right foods. What’s on your plate can power your mind, steady your emotions, and help you stay grounded—just ask John Wick.
The Warrior Way of Eating
John Wick’s been through a lot. And apparently, so had his gut.
He told me he used to eat like a man preparing for battle—because, well, he was. But these days? He’s fighting a different kind of war: one for emotional balance, mental clarity, and peace of mind.
His newest weapon of choice? Brussels sprouts!
“Not exactly your standard action hero food,” I joked. “They’re misunderstood,” he replied. “Like you?” He smirked. “Exactly.”
John had been diving into my book, Mind Fuel, which breaks down the mental health benefits of individual foods—and how to easily add them to your meals.
And Brussels sprouts? Surprisingly, they’re one of John Wick’s go-to Mental Health Superfoods. Yes, really.
Eager to prove it, he shared three ways he eats them—plus how each one helps fuel his focus, mood, and resilience like a true Warrior.
Use 1: The Tactical Roast
“Crispy. Golden. Reliable.” That’s how John described his go-to prep. He tosses halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil, garlic powder, sea salt, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Then roasts them at 425°F until the edges get crunchy enough to make a ninja jealous.
But this isn’t just about taste. Roasted Brussels sprouts are packed with Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants—which support brain health, reduce inflammation, and stabilize blood sugar.
Translation? Fewer mood swings. Sharper focus. More emotional control when it matters.
“They help me stay calm under pressure,” John said, “which is handy when people are shooting at me in art museums.”
Our Turn:
When life’s chaos feels like a never-ending foot chase through your to-do list, adding a stabilizing veggie like Brussels sprouts can anchor your blood sugar and emotional state. They don’t just taste good—they help keep you grounded.
So, the next time your brain’s doing somersaults, roast a tray. You don’t have to be an international hitman to need emotional stability. Just a human being with emails, bills, and maybe a screaming toddler.
Use 2: Sprout Stir-Fry for Mental Focus
“When I need to clear my head,” John said, “I go with the Brussels stir-fry.”
Sliced thin and pan-fried with a splash of coconut aminos, ginger, and a dash of sesame oil, the sprouts become a crispy-savory miracle. He adds a protein—chicken or shrimp usually—and maybe a soft-boiled egg if he's feeling fancy.
But this dish isn’t just delicious—it’s brain fuel.
Brussels sprouts are rich in B-vitamins and support the production of serotonin and dopamine—two neurotransmitters crucial for boosting mood, enhancing memory, and sharpening mental clarity. Pair them with lean protein, and you’ve got a focus-fueling meal that acts like a mental reset button.
“After a bowl of that,” John said, “I’m sharper, more focused… and less likely to overreact when someone dings my car door.”
Our Turn:
Mental fog? Stress spiral? Try feeding your brain what it needs to fight back—nutrient-dense greens, clean protein, and omega-rich oils.
A stir-fry is quick, customizable, and totally warrior-approved.
Plus, when you sauté your stress away, you’re giving your brain the tools to operate with purpose—not panic.
Use 3: Brussels Breakfast Hash
Now this one caught me off guard. “Hash?” I asked.
John nodded. “Sunday mornings. Brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, diced red onion, and two eggs on top. Satisfying. Centering. Safe.”
This combo of fat, fiber, and protein keeps you full longer, cuts down stress cravings, and promotes mood stability. And the texture—crunchy meets comforting—triggers a dopamine boost that feels like a warm hug with combat boots on.
“It’s not just fuel,” he said. “It’s morning armor.”
Our Turn:
Start your day with food that says, “I got this.” That means skipping the sugar crash and heading straight for fuel that supports your brain’s ability to stay steady—even when the world around you isn’t.
Breakfast hash with Brussels? It’s the food version of saying: “Let’s handle this day like a boss.”
From Survival to Strength
John told me that when he first read Mind Fuel for a Mental Health Warrior, something clicked.
“I always thought food was just fuel for survival,” he said. “But you showed me it’s a weapon for resilience.”
He held up the book. “This? Changed everything. I stopped asking, ‘What do I feel like eating?’ and started asking, ‘What does my brain need today?’”
That mindset shift was a game-changer. He stopped eating to numb emotions—and started eating to feel. To stay sharp. To stay grounded.
Wrap-Up
So, what can we learn from an action hero, his leafy green sidekick, and the book Mind Fuel for a Mental Health Warrior?
That building strong mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about making simple, smart food choices that support your brain, fuel your emotions, and anchor you in the present.
So, the next time you’re struggling, remember your Warrior training—use food like John does to nourish your mental strength and build resilience, one bite at a time.
Because whether you’re dodging bullets or dodging burnout… You deserve to feel your best—today, and every day!
Bruce Schutter
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