This Is Your Brain. This Is Your Brain on Food... 

Brains, by nature, are kind of weird and mysterious. And the latest research shows that what we eat can have an effect on our brains... and vice versa! Here's the deal:

What we put into our bodies can mess with our heads. Overeating tends to physically slow us down, of course, and new research shows that consuming more than 2,100 calories a day can DOUBLE the risk of memory loss among those in their 70s and 80s. Results of another study suggest that a high-fat diet could actually cause lasting damage to a part of the brain that's crucial for weight control. So do your brain and your body a favor, and set good habits now. On the flip side, our minds play a big part in what we eat. When it comes to selecting which foods to buy, one study found that claims made on packaging could influence our perception of how those products will taste. Specifically, those who knew the cookies they were eating were sugar-free found the cookies to be less appealing than those who didn't have any information. Crazy! And when you're feeling hungry, doesn't it seem like everything associated with food grabs your attention? In a newly published study, both food-related words and neutral words were quickly flashed in front of subjects; hungry participants identified the food-centric words more often and more clearly than those who had just eaten. Fascinating stuff, people. Think before you chew, but don't overthink it!

Until Monday - Keep thinking veggies and protein!

Watch Out...

Remember Le Whif, the inhalable chocolate? That same concept has been applied to other sweet treats by a company called Vaportrim. Unappealing name aside, the breathable “dessert” product claims to curb cravings; it comes in flavors like Strawberry Shortcake, Maple Pancakes, and Peach Cobbler. Do you think this would work for you... or just make you hungrier?  Me - it would bring on the cravings, but I might have happy dreams!!

Become a Morning Exerciser...

Impending deadlines, last-minute meetings, an impromptu dinner date. These are just a few of many schedule conflicts that keep you from fitting in your evening workout. It's a common problem with an obvious yet seemingly impossible solution: Work out in the morning! We know, it's so hard to get up when you could snooze for another hour! But becoming a morning exerciser is doable (even if  you've never been a morning person). Follow our step-by-step plan and you'll soon wonder how you ever started your day any other way!

Prepare for a Painless Pre- and Post-Workout

Zap morning workout excuses by making your pre- and post-workout routine as simple as possible. Put your workout clothes, socks, shoes, even your hair elastic right next to your bed so you don't have to waste time fumbling around for your gear. And don't let the thought of sweaty hair keep you from a good training session before work. We are huge fans of dry shampoo (and polished ponytails) in cold weather, and a quick, water-only rinse in the shower on warmer days. Pick out simple work outfits (i.e. a dress versus a three-piece outfit) on days you know you'll be short on time.

When I know I am getting on the treadmill in the morning I have what I call my workout pj's!  That way I can literally roll out of bed!

At a Restaurant, Having a Salad?  Remember to Look Out For...

Super-Heavy Sauces: Anything creamy, cheesy, buttery, or oily is a red flag.

Over-Dressed Salads: Don't let someone slather your salad in goo; ask for the dressing on the side. And just because a small vat of dressing comes with your greens does NOT mean you should use it all. Dip, don't pour.

Deceptive Sauces: Get skeptical. Pesto seems safe ("It's GREEN!") but it's commonly loaded with oil, cheese, and nuts. Same goes for curry -- it may not LOOK creamy, but it often contains a lot of cream and butter. Stay smart!

I always ask for a plate of lemons on the side and if I am feeling really risky - I sneak in my own dressing - incognito!

KALE vs SPINACH...

The winner: Kale 

Kale's nutritional might would win over even Popeye. Gram for gram, kale contains four times more vitamin C, and one and a half times the amount of immune boosting vitamin A and vitamin K.  Vitamin K ensures that blood clots properly, but it's also needed to make a bone protein essential for strong, healthy bones.  Kale contains three times more lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants deposited in the retina that work together to protect eye health. 

I also love spinach, but I do prefer the kale because spinach makes my teeth squeak!