Brain Bulletin #82 - Best Summer Brain Smoothie
in Brain BulletinSomeone once said, "I am what I ate and I'm frightened." He was right, especially where our brains are concerned.
Hippocrates once said, "Let food be your medicine."
Food has the power to heal the brain. Good nutrition can balance and support healthy brain chemistry, without drugs. The results can be felt within minutes. I have been telling people for years in my live presentations that what we consume directly influences our thoughts, feelings, moods, and actions. This in turn affects how others see us.
Here's what the research says:
- food can determine whether you are happy or sad
- healthy eating can optimize your brain function
- your diet provides the fuel for cellular renewal
- brain foods 'rustproof' your brain and body
- oxidant-rich foods protect your brain from free-radical damage
- and the list goes on......
In short, if you want a great brain, eat nutrient-rich foods every day.
Here is one of my favorite brain foods. I especially enjoy this on summer afternoons.
Brain Summer Smoothie
- Get a good blender.
- Put in a little water.
- Add organic apple, or pear (or a bit of both).
- skin on, seeds removed - half a banana
- one pitted date
- handful of organic, baby spinach (other leafy greens work, too)
(a good ratio is 40% greens, 60% fruit) - Add more water, if necessay.
(to up it even more, add a bit of avocado and kelp powder)/li> - Blend until smooth.
Expect a surge of energy, and brain focus. These foods contain the amino acids tyrosine and tryptophan. The combination of leafy greens and fruit boost dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine boosts your attention and memory. Serotonin improves your mood, learning, and curbs appetite.
And something else: Why is white fruit good for your brain? What 3 Fruits Cut Your Stroke Risk in Half? And don't forget to Eat 5 of These Super Brain Foods Every Day!
Remember: one life, one brain...look after it!
Congratulations on learning something about your brain today. The Brain Bulletin is committed to help to do just that. If you missed any Brain Bulletins you can find them in the Brain Bulletin Archive: Brain Bulletin Archive
If you missed my TEDxGreatWall talk "Brain Without Walls" here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1ac3xX1JG4
Something great and ongoing for your brain:
Follow the Brainguy on Twitter:
You can join Terry Small's 2100 followers for free on Twitter: www.twitter.com/terrysmall
Twitter is a great way to learn and fuel your brain. I just posted an interesting article on why you are not nearly as good at paying attention as you think you are (something I have been telling people in my live presentations for years).
I will be posting, or tweeting as it's called, regularly about the brain. What I'm reading, watching, thinking, doing....all as it relates to your brain. Twitter restricts tweets to 140 characters, so it is always quick and to the point. No time wasting!
Twitter has the easiest sign up page in the world. Even if you are not on Twitter you can check out my tweets here:www.twitter.com/terrysmall
I would also be happy to connect with you on Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=62461206&trk=tab_pro And, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerrySmallTheBrainguy
You can also follow the Brain Bulletin of Twitter: www.twitter.com/brainbulletin
Well, I've had a great summer. Eating, reading, hiking, loafing, writing, and speaking. I spoke twice at the BC CEO Forums. Great groups as always. I met with Lowell Sheppard to plan the Brain Guy in Japan Tour 3.0 in Oct., 2013. I also had a terrific time in Ireland roaming around and working with Poll Moussoulides . Our "Smart, Savvy Leader" presentation in Dublin was completely sold out. Regrettably, we had to turn 450 people away. We plan to run more session in Ireland in Feb., 2013:
http://voicematters.com/the-smart-savvy-leader/
You are invited.
While I was in Ireland, I was interviewed about the brain by John Murray on RTE (Raidió Teilifís Éireann, Radio Television Ireland)
If interested, I start at the 14 minute mark:
http://www.rte.ie/radio/radioplayer/rteradiowebpage.html#!rii=9%3A3356972%3A4502%3A01%2D08%2D2012%3A
Connecting with Patrick and Laura Walsh in Ireland and spending time with Poll's family was a nice bonus.
This month: I speak at 3 big teacher conferences in Manitoba, Surrey, and New Westminster. I love teachers. I also get to speak 3 times in Calgary (First Calgary Savings), Pensions BC in Victoria, and locally...Dogwood Pavilion, Metro Vancouver, Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary School, and keynote the Dental Technicians Provincial Conference.
My favorite book this month was a leadership book. My good friend Susan Goldsworthy sent me a copy of "Care to Dare - Unleashing Astonishing Potential Through Secure Base Leadership". I loved it. Congratulations Susan, Duncan, and George.