Nutritional Fitness PRINCIPLE Whats In Your Food

I was trying to figure out the omega 6 content of foods (mainly nuts/seeds), and ran across this site which has alot of nutritional information on various foods. I was looking for a way to decrease the amount of omega 6 that I consume, given that I eat alot of nuts/seeds.

On this site you can type in a desired food and its whole nutritional profile will show up to include a nutritional rating, as well as a nutrient balance and protein balance score. I concluded my search confirming that I need to add flax and chia seeds to my smoothies. They both have very favorable omega 3:6 ratios which help to minimize inflammation.

http://nutritiondata.self.com/tools/compare/welcome?returnto=/mynd/myfoods/compare-add/3138

Pretty cool. I just hope the information is accurate : )

Nutritional Fitness “Plus” PRINCIPLE Nutrition for a Better Brain

I found two additional lectures by Dr. Neil Nedley, discussing the relationship between nutrition and brain function (especially frontal lobe function). In this sense there is a two for one benefit. You get good advice on overall nutrition, that also benefits the brain which allows you to make good decisions. Eat better, be better, do better. Some highlights; walnuts, spinach, tofu, sesame seed and others…

Part 1: http://lifestyletv.se/on-demand/?program=351

Highlights:

1) Tryptophan and Omega 3 fatty acids are important as they are used to make brain neurotransmitters

2) probably one of the highest sources of tryptophan is tofu, also pumpkin and sesame seeds.

3) when meat is present, there is competition between the essential amino acids such that less tryptophan is absorbed

4) carbohydrates help the tryptophan cross the blood brain barrier

5) really helps with depression and improved brain function

Part 2: http://lifestyletv.se/on-demand/?program=214

Highlights

1) the B vitamins and iron are also very important for brain health

2) foods that are high in folate; spinach, navy beans, lentils, black eyed peas

3) cholesterol mainly comes from meat sources, and high cholesterol levels is associated with poorer brain function.

 

Recipe Suggestions:

1) Smoothie:  I have started to experiment with the following combination in my Nutribullet  Spinach to fill line, 2 oz of tofu, 1/4 cup Flaxseed, 1/4 cup Walnuts, 1/2 tsp Cinnamon, 1/8 tsp Salt.  I can’t say that this taste great, but I am able to get this down.  I do note that I feel better later.  But I have not been doing this very long.  But I would like to hear back from others on this.  I will say that my sleep seems better, with more dreaming.

2) Soup: Navy Bean – Soak beans over night in a tsp of baking soda and then poor off the water and store in the fridge for 2 days (to allow for some beginning sprouting).  When I cook these I put in a pot with smoked turkey wings, onion, garlic, and another tsp of baking soda.  I let this boil for about two hours and then the beans soup will start to thicken.  Just prior to this I add in a bunch of kale.

3) Stir Fry: First I cook some brown rice and store this in the fridge.  When ready I sauté onion, garlic, asparagus, sweet peas (frozen), bean sprouts, and tofu in sesame oil.  When about done I add in the rice.  Let this cook for a minute, then add in soy sauce (bolded items always added, the others sometime.  After this is done and while still in the pot, sometime I will also stir in some avocado.

Please share any recipes you have following the principles of whole foods, alkalinity, tryptophan, omega 3, etc…

Mental Fitness PRINCIPLE Building a Better Brain

When it comes to self control, the frontal lobe of your brain is very important. There are many things that we do that lessen its function. This lecture (by Dr. Neil Nedley) will discuss them and make suggestions as to things that can be done to enhance your frontal lobe function, and allow you to make better decisions.

Things to consider:

1) music (with mention of the types of music that are helpful and harmful).  There are also comments about the impact of TV.

2) avoidance of trauma, even mild trauma

3) mindfulness breathing

4) sunlight

5) exercise

6) critical thinking, and searching for truth like as listed in proverbs

7) good lifestyle, and improve health minimizing chronic disease

Habits in these areas will improve the functioning of the frontal lobe, and will help on have greater willpower and the ability to do what one should and avoid what one should not do.  These are true seeds to happiness.

http://lifestyletv.se/on-demand/?program=221

Mental Fitness PRACTICE Letter From My Future Me

One of the recommendations to build self control from with Willpower video by Kelly McGonigal is to write a letter to yourself from your future self. Sounds crazy, but due the the excitement from a friend concerning this concept I tried it. WOW! For me this was a very powerful and motivating experience. In the letter, my future self thanked me for my perseverance in certain areas and described for me the outcome of my efforts. Brought tears to my eyes, and provided real clarity about my purpose and what was important to me. What was interesting was how the words just began to flow once I started writing. This exercise was more than I expected : )

-jb

Nutritional Fitness PRINCIPLES Lessons from one who knows

This is an interview with Bernando LaPallo who’s is now 113, giving his secrets on life and eating. This interview was done when he was 109.  You will hear some healthful tips on living in general and specifics on eating.  He his big on a plant based diet and regular exercise.  There are other interviews on the web from this gentleman. Check them out and let me know what you have learned.

http://youtu.be/v0MVco9s0SQ