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Nutrition

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1.Fill Up on Fruits and Veggies

Good nutrition helps you avoid diseases that make life tough on your brain. Fruits and vegetables—especially if they’re green and leafy—are a powerhouse for brain health. Eating 3 to 5 half-cup portions of fruit and vegetables will not only add color to your diet, they prolong the health of your grey matter as well.


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Up the Antioxidants

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals—groups of atoms that can damage cells and are believed to accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related diseases. A diet rich in antioxidants may also keep the brain operating at its peak to help reduce the risk of conditions such as Alzheimer’s.

10 Brain Foods Rich in Antioxidants:

  1. Whole grains
  2. Berries
  3. Broccoli
  4. Soy
  5. Carrots
  6. Red Grapes
  7. Garlic
  8. Spinach
  9. Green Tea
  10. Tomatoes

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3. Plump Up Your Processing Power with Omega-3

Your brain is comprised of at least 60% fat. It’s the fatty or lipid part of your brain that helps rapidly transmit information across your neural networks. Our bodies don’t naturally produce omega-3 fatty acids, so it’s essential to include them in your diet. Why? Eating omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to maintaining proper fat in your brain, boosting your brain’s processing power and fighting mental health decline. In fact, research demonstrates a relationship between eating several ounces of salmon a week and both improved cognition and reduced risk of dementia. So it makes sense to seek out the sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

7 Sensational Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

  1. Cold Water Oily Fish - salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, trout and sardines.
  2. Walnuts - known as brain food for more than their wrinkled appearance-a 1/4 cup provides 90.8% of your daily requirement of essential fats
  3. Other Nuts - Brazil Nuts, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Almonds ~ a great snack instead of chocolate or sweets
  4. Leafy Green Vegetables ~ think spinach, Swiss chard or kale
  5. Seeds - flax, pumpkin and sesame seeds are best
  6. Oils - Canola, Rapeseed, Linseed/Flaxseed or Soybean Oil can usually be found in your local supermarket.
  7. Eggs - egg yolks are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids

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4. Cut the Calories

Research indicates that being overweight may lead to an increased risk of decline in brain function later in life. In fact, overweight or obese individuals in their 40’s may be more prone to developing Alzheimer’s as seniors. Metabolic processes are initiated by the burning of calories and can have the potential to affect cognitive function. As a result, a healthy caloric intake can increase cognitive functioning, while overeating can increase the vulnerability of cells to damage.

You may think that middle age and weight gain go hand-in-hand. The truth is, they don’t have to. Simply cutting your calories may be one solution to increasing your longevity and your brain’s staying power.

3 Ways to Curb Your Consumption:

  1. Consume only 80% of what you intend to eat at each meal.
  2. Eat slowly. Savor every bite as if it were your last.
  3. Make vegetables (or fruits) the largest portion in your meal.

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5. Spare the Sodium & Cholesterol

Excessive sodium and cholesterol in your diet can be deadly and lead to high blood pressure and increased buildup on your blood vessel walls. These nutritional no-no’s have been linked to heart attack and stroke. And, when it comes to your brain, lifestyle factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol can contribute to dementia. That’s why it’s essential to keep a lid on cholesterol.

4 Foolproof Ways to Fight Cholesterol:

  1. Get back to basics. The closer to nature the food, the healthier. Make fresh food your first choice.
  2. Punt the preservatives and processed foods. Foods like pizza, canned vegetables and soups, frozen dinners and smoked or processed meats are high in sodium. Limit or eliminate them.
  3. Go easy on animal products. Meats, and animal byproducts such as butter, milk, cheese and eggs can contribute to high cholesterol.
  4. Be stingy with salt. Try cooking and eating your meals without shaking on the salt.

Meals for Memory

Toasted Sandwich (serves 1)

What you Need:

  • 3 slices of whole wheat bread
  • 1 tablespoon margarine/butter
  • 2 pieces of lettuce
  • 1/2 a tomato, thinly sliced
  • 1 hard boiled egg, thinly sliced

Special Mayo:

  • 1/3 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup shrimp, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and Pepper as desired
  • Mix well.

Putting it all Together:

  • Take 2 pieces of bread and spread with butter.
  • Brown in skillet on both sides.
  • Stack the third piece of bread on top.
  • Brush the surface of the stack with Mayo.
  • Top with remaining lettuce, eggs and tomatoes.
  • Place last piece of toast on the stack, Mayo side down.
  • Cut in half and serve warm!

Glazed Hazelnut and Berry Salad (serves 2-4)

What you Need:

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup hazelnuts, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 10 cups salad greens
  • 1 cup of your favorite berries
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Special Dressing:

  • 1/3 cup raspberries
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons shallots
  • Salt and Pepper as desired

Putting it all Together:

  • Preheat oven or toaster oven to 350 F.
  • Combine oil and honey in a small bowl.
  • Add nuts to the bowl and toss to coat.
  • Place nuts in a small baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
  • While they cool, begin the dressing.
  • Combine berries, oil, vinegar, water, mustard, garlic and honey in a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Transfer to a small bowl and stir in shallots.
  • Just before serving, place greens in a large bowl.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the greens and toss to coat.
  • Divide the salad as desired.
  • Scatter your favorite berries, feta cheese and glazed nuts over your salad and serve!

Foods for Focus

Moist Raisin Bran Muffins (2 dozen)

What you Need:

  • 4 cups raisin bran cereal
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Putting it all Together:

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients, then make a well in the center.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks, oil, vanilla and milk.
  • Beat until you see a light froth at the top then add to dry ingredients, stirring the whole time.
  • Pour the batter into a greased muffin pan, 3/4 of the way up.
  • Bake for 22-25 minutes, then let cool for 10 before serving!

Tomato, Spinach, Bean Burrito (serves 4)

What you need:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 package spinach, chopped
  • 4 whole wheat tortillas
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 4 tablespoons sour cream
  • 4 tablespoons salsa

Putting it all Together:

  • Heat oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat.
  • Saute onion and garlic for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in chilli powder and cumin and cook for 1 minute.
  • Stir in water, tomato and kidney beans.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Stir in spinach and cook 5 minutes more.
  • Spoon 1/4 of the bean mixture into the middle of a warm tortilla.
  • Wrap and garnish with avocado, sour cream and salsa!

Lamb with Blackberry Sauce (serves 2-4)

What you need:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons shallots, chopped
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 cups blackberry pulp
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 whole clove
  • 1 teaspoon cardamon
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups red wine
  • 4 lamb chops

Putting it all Together:

  • Saute the shallots and garlic in hot olive oil until translucent.
  • Mix the blackberry pulp, honey, clove, cardamon and jalapeno in a bowl.
  • Add the wine and cook until reduced to half.
  • Grill the lamb, and serve with sauce drizzled over top!

Victuals for Vision

Chicken Pecan Salad (serves 6)

What you Need:

  • 2 tablespoons hot red pepper sauce
  • 1/2 cup margarine/butter, melted
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 pound pecans, chopped
  • 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of your favorite seasoning
  • 1 pound romaine lettuce, torn
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh strawberries
  • 1/2 cup seedless grapes
  • 1/4 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 cup honey mustard salad dressing

Putting it all Together:

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • In a bowl, mix the pepper sauce, butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice.
  • Mix pecans into the bowl and toss to coat.
  • Spread pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  • Bake 10 minutes, stirring often until lightly browned.
  • Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Rub the chicken with olive oil and place on a baking sheet.
  • Season with your favorite seasoning.
  • Bake 20 minutes, then slide into strips.
  • In a salad bowl, toss together the lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, strawberries, grapes, raspberries and blueberries.
  • Sprinkle the salad with roasted pecans, drizzle with dressing and serve!

Confetti Chowder (serves 6)

What you need:

  • 3 tablespoons of margarine/butter
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced zucchini
  • 1 cup broccoli forets
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, chopped
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup kernel corn
  • 1 cup cooked ham, chopped
  • 1/2 cup peas
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and Pepper as desired

Putting it all Together:

  • Melt the butter in a large pot on medium-high heat.
  • Add carrots, zucchini, broccoli, onion and celery and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle flour, sugar and salt and pepper over vegetables and mix well.
  • Stir in milk and chicken broth and cook until thick and bubbly.
  • Add corn, ham and peas and cook until soup is heated through.
  • Remove from heat, garnish with cheese and serve!

Apricot Custard (serves 4-6)

What you need:

  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh or dried apricots
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 eggs

Putting it all Together:

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • If using dried apricots, soak and drain prior to using.
  • Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth.
  • Pour into oiled custard cups.
  • Place cups in a pan of hot water.
  • Bake for 45 minutes and serve warm!

Snacks for Studying

Lemon Garlic Hummus (serves 1-4)

What you Need:

  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cups chickpeas, drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Pita bread, cut into wedges

Putting it all Together:

  • In a blender, combine the oil, lemon juice, beans, garlic and salt.
  • Cover and process until smooth.
  • Transfer to a small bowl and serve with pita wedges!

Melon with Raspberry Sauce (serves 2-4)

What you Need:

  • 2 2/3 cups raspberries, unsweetened
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cantaloupe
  • 1 honeydew melon

Putting it all Together:

  • Set aside a few raspberries for garnish.
  • Place the remaining berries in a blender and process until pureed.
  • Add the honey, lemon juice and ginger and process longer.
  • Strain and discard seeds, then set sauce aside.
  • Cut the melons into desired shapes and arrange nicely on a plate.
  • Drizzle with raspberry sauce and top with reserved berries!

Purple Monster Smoothie (serves 1)

What you Need:

  • 2 frozen bananas, chopped
  • 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
  • 1 cup orange juice (or soy milk)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Putting it all Together:

  • Place bananas, blueberries and juice in a blender and puree.
  • Use honey and vanilla to taste and voila!