“Food is a part of a balanced diet.” Fran Lebowitz
Early morning I like to read or listen to the quiet. We need the spirit of quietness. Allow stillness to happen. It brings home the beauty and power of the world we live in. Each moment is sacred to deliberately seek out opportunities to rest, plan and regroup. The light of love, faith, hope and peace-is stronger than the negative forces that would weigh us down. It is these special moments giving me a feeling of well-being as I think of my family. All of them. Each one is busy here and there. Are they taking care of themselves? Are they caring for their health? It is difficult having to take meals away from home; or for parents who are trying to feed their families right. For the college students who are learning on their own and for the single person living alone. Cultivating and nurturing care for the body is an ongoing process.
My father, many years ago, tried to put us on a path to better health. For example, he would say, “Eat your fish, it is good for your brain” or “Eat your spinach. It fixes your brain’s machinery.” It went on and on like that as he grew fields and fields of veggies, planted fruit orchards and raised chickens and animals. (He also ran the Kittery Fruit Company. He was known for his ice cream and candy making.) However, he had a sweet tooth. We never heard that too much sugar is not good for you! Let me tell you, whenever I got behind that candy counter I filled up on sweets.
But what about the brain? Scientist now know it is greatly influenced by what we eat. More people worry if the brain will hold up. Let’s move on to the brain and types of food to boost your memory. It has been proven that diet plays a major role in brain health. The best menu for boosting memory and brain function encourages good blood flow to the brain.
Research found the Mediterranean Diet helps in keeping the aging brains sharp, and a growing body of evidence that these foods help with better cognitive function, memory and alertness. To name a few: cabbage, broccoli, cabbage, dark leafy greens, asparagus, Swiss Chard, beets, all kinds of berries, anchovies, fatty fish, grass-fed beef, eggs, dark chocolate, raisins, pumpkin seeds, peppermint, coconut oil, olive oil, walnuts, avocados and curry.
These foods are not just good for the brain, they help a healthy heart and all parts of the body. The brain is growing and changing every instant. Science, studies and tests have proven that the brain thrives on stimulation, exercise, education, and the right diet and supplements. There is no guarantee these foods will help you remember where you put your keys but, over time they can support lifelong good health.
Feel with your heart and will find it. Follow your heart and it will lead. If you are interested in writing do not forget the” Writers Conference at Ocean Park,”, from Aug. 7 to Aug. 11.
It is the five-day 77th Writers Conference with registration beginning at 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7. Jumpstart your writing career in a supportive environment by calling 401-598-1424 or e-mail ibrosnan@jwu.edu.