One week ago I closed my essay with a cautionary metaphor. It began: “Did you ever get a bad tank of gas?” and proceeded to show how what you read, what you watch, what you listen to is very analogous to tanking up your car. It’s really important. If you…or your kid’s reading diet is misogynistic, cruel, biased or just without any merit whatsoever, you will soon see the results of this. They aren’t pretty. Please be mindful of what you “feed” your brain and your loved ones’ brains.
This week we’re still talking about feeding your brain…BUT… in this case we’ve traded our metaphor for stark reality. We’re talking about what food best powers your actual, physical brain, that 3-pound lump of grey tofutti between your ears.
Your brain needs feeding…serious thoughtful feeding and I can guarantee you that no matter how much you think you know about what to eat, you’ll pick up some valuable info in the next three minutes. No, not from me but from the author of a superb new book entitled: Brain Fuel (Recipes to Make your Brain Work Better) by Sam Anderson who has devoted one decade to studying this topic very deeply. Sam is a gal, by the way and a pretty savvy one.
Let’s jump in and do some thrashing around, but for one last disclaimer, allow me to say that Pamela and I both eat very healthily. We know about Omega 3. We know about saturated fats. We drink Kefir, buy wild caught salmon, use olive oil vs. margarine and……..the point of the disclaimer is that Pam and I were absolutely sure we had little or nothing more we needed to learn. We…were…wrong. For your sake, gamble a few minutes to check out what Sam (her given name is Liess) has learned for our benefit. Let’s kick off with a couple of questions for Liess:
Where are we most getting snookered at the food store?
Sam: Many people think if it’s labeled natural, organic or vegetarian it’s automatically healthy. It blows my mind that some people think that fat free is still a good thing; typically anything fat free is loaded with extra sugar and/or salt. (A great read on that topic is the book “Salt, Sugar, Fat” by Michel Moss.) “Healthy” frozen dinners that you microwave in their plastic containers; skim and fat-free milk; fake spreads like “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter”. Despite telling my in-laws on numerous occasions that it’s OK for them to eat real butter, I still find tubs of that crap in their fridge. (click image to enlarge)
Question for Pamela: Regarding the plastic containers that we microwave…How serious is it?
Pamela: Plastic containers contain Bisphenol A BPA a chemical that mimics estrogen in our bodies. According to Scientific American they promote breast cancer and low sperm count…and that’s just what they know so far. Clearly, we’re often in a hostile environment with large corporations creating food that’s easy, and simple, yummy and heats in minutes. It’s just that their bottom line for profit is in conflict with our bottom line for…surviving.
Henry: Artificial Sweeteners: First question: Sugar vs. Artificial Second question: Which one? (click image to enlarge)
Sam: Maybe once a month I’ll drink a diet soda – as a treat, but I don’t think that artificial sweeteners are good for my brain . If I were to drink a regular soda without food it would spike my blood sugar. Drinking a regular soda with a meal would be an option, except that the sugar and carbonation combo fills me up, and adding food to the mix just makes me miserable. So for soda my preference is artificial. For everything else I’d pick real sugar (not HFCS) over an artificial sweetener. My choice for a sweetener is Stevia.
Henry: Eggs…they were good…then they were bad….now….they’re good again???
Sam: I’ve never been of the opinion that eggs are bad and probably eat a least a dozen if not more each week. As far as nutrition and price go, they’re one of the best foods on the planet. There is a pop-up on eggs in my book. When my local CSA’s hens are laying, I buy from her – they are the best. My 2nd choice are eggs from pasture raised chickens. (click image to enlarge)
Sam’s Question for Henry: Who’s Your Favorite TV Chef? Although Jada and Sandra Lee are pretty and I loved Emmeril’s “BAMs” there’s a young non-descript British guy, Jamie Oliver, who utterly blows the doors off of everyone else, if you’re talking about doing some REAL good. He’s funny. He’s candid and he’s deadly serious. His TED talk here is STELLAR!!! The BEST! If you do nothing else today, invest ten seconds and go to this link. You just might save a kid…or yourself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIwrV5e6fMY
Henry: What’s your take on Kefir? We’ve been using it for about 6 months and Pamela is pretty much sold on it. Any caveats?
Sam: I love Kefir and in fact Mike and I drink it almost every day. No caveats that I know of unless you believe that dairy is poison. I had a girlfriend tell me yesterday that she won’t drink anything that comes from a lactating cow. I don’t argue with people when it comes to food.
Henry: Getting More Serious: Seven Years ago, you ran into a life-challenge: Could you tell us about it and, for the purposes of this article, how your diet affected your outcome?
Sam: I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and underwent both chemotherapy (the “Red Devil” included) and radiation treatments. I give a lot of credit to my great doctor and the anti-nausea medications she prescribed, but my diet was the key that allowed me to continue working and going to the gym. Granted I was far from 100%, and there were a few days I didn’t want to get out of bed, but my brain was functioning well despite the horrible chemo-drugs. Losing my hair sucked, but my main concern was the dreaded “chemo-brain” and for the most part, I think I did pretty darn well avoiding that, considering the circumstances.
Some Tips You May…or May Not Have Thought of:
Hershey’s unsweetened Cocoa is one of the very best sources of Anti-Oxidants. To that end, Pamela and I add a fraction of a teaspoon in every cup of coffee we drink. Coffee tastes GREAT and anti-oxidants are the way to go. No negatives…only pluses. The Dutch, who drink about two cups of cocoa a day, have one of the lowest incidences of Alzheimer’s.
Cereal in a Box: Rule of thumb: If there’s a leprechaun on it or a vampire or a cute animal…or it’s made of milk chocolate, feed it to your garbage disposal. It’s crap. There are some reasonably good cereals and you really have to do your homework.
Charred Barbecue Food: Once in a Blue Moon… We’re not advocating that you join a foodie convent, but know where Scylla and Charybdis are. That yummy black crunchy stuff that tastes so good will send you to the ICU section of the hospital. Nothing in excess…
Hamburger: It’s gotta be grass-fed and in MODERATION. Once we eschewed normal hamburger, both Pamela’s and my aches and pains dropped by about 30%.
A little trick (from Henry): My “kryptonite” is any ice cream that has little hunks of yummy things in it. At 11 at night, I reach in the freezer and pull out the (they ain’t half gallons anymore) carton. Next, I promise myself that I will stop eating once I can make all the little noogies of yummy stuff disappear. …..That’s harder to do than you might think. If you have a similar weakness, start buying portions…ice cream sandwiches, popsicles and one is your portion for the day.
If you read assiduously and clicked the (click here) buttons, you have an inkling how good this book is. You can download it in a twinkling. It’ll cost what you leave for a tip after an decent meal. That “tip money” may save your ass. Just go to http://www.brainfuelbook.com/
Yup…I’m in my sixties and thanks to my strict diet of rutabagas and water…I look like this!!!!
Hi Henry,
23 years ago I was having horrible stomach trouble. I was seeing a gastro-enterologist regularly. Then one day, after having a McDonalds quarter-pounder with cheese I felt awful and the dawn lit. We stopped buying their food, and after ten days (!) my stomach trouble was gone. Couldn’t believe it.
So….it’s been 23 years of feeling remarkably better.
As a family we all feel better, think clearer, and have more energy with fewer cravings for junk food.
Your article was spot on, and I am buying the book today.
And, if rutabagas and water make you look so good ( hot), bring ’em on!
Diane P.
Super Congratulations! 23 years! We’re not quite that high, but it’s been close to two decades since we ate at McDonalds. Once in a blue moon, we still indulge in some KFC and some black & tans. But blue moons don’t come around that often.
Truthfully, I’m not even sure what a rutabaga tastes like. I think it’s the single malt Macallan…and Pamela that keep me young.
Thanks!
Henry
Book looks good! Is there a place where I can get the actual, physical book?
Also, Jamie Oliver was dynamite. Brave guy to take on the big corps.
Dennis R.
They’re working on it. The beauty of the book is the gal really committed to recipes that are super easy, tasty, and extremely good for you. And she provides an amazing amount of research on each recipe. Jamie’s really a pistol…and doing an amazing amount of good. What I didn’t mention is that he’s a helluva chef.
Henry
Hi,
Maybe this is shooting a little lower than the belt, but I figured you might know. Is there any food that actually acts as an aphrodisiac?
Trevor C.
This is why I read your blog! Thank you for always posting great info that is actually useful. I have downloaded the sample of The Brain Fuel cookbook on my iPad and will be purchasing the full book. Very well done, it is much nicer than any other ebooks I have purchased and the recipes look very good. Thanks again for the recommendation and keep up the rutabega!
Another fabulous read.
I love Jamie O. We watched his show and were amazed at the resistance he got in WV.
I’m always amazed at people that complain about cooking. No time.
Really, how difficult is it to put a little evoo in a pan with salmon and paprika. Steam the brocolli, add some quinoa and there you go. I can get to the plates in less than 20 min. Limiting factor- quinoa. And I know every ingredient in it.
I grow just one plant of peppers, squash, tomatoes just enough for the two of us. Hate to waste.
Sorry to go on, but you hit a nerve as I know is the point . Well done you two .
But I have a question, what do you use to store leftovers, if you have them?
I still have my original Tupperware from my engagement. 1975. Ouch
Happy to wait for answer .
A loyal reader,
Pam
Hi Pam!
Good to hear and thanks for the comments!
I think Jamie Oliver is just right, and he has an attitude that’s infectious. He really does want to help people.
As far as the old Tupperware goes, I truly understand. But since you asked, I have to give it to you straight. Old Tupperware might be even more dangerous than new, because of the little micro abrasions that happen to the surface over the years. If you can bring yourself to do so…toss ’em and switch to glass. Sorry not to have better news.
My best to Wade!
Henry
Another great one! Always looking for ways to improve my diet and my family’s . I have three daughters.
Thanks, Henry
By the way, in your signature shot, you look a whole lot like Ben Affleck in the movie, Argot….the one where he has a beard.
Jonathan
Hey!
Great hearing from you, Jonathan! Wow, I’m trying to wrap my mind around three daughters… You lucky dog!
Yup, Pamela noticed the resemblance too. That was a while ago though…
Henry
The cookbook is great. The recipes are really good and fun to prepare. Sam does a great job of helping with shopping for new items that you might not be used to using. It is a great benefit if you are a newbie to more healthy eating like I am.
Hey Andrew!
Complete agreement. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a complete break-down of everything you’d want to know about what you’re eating.
Henry
Henry,
In reading your latest newsletter on brain food, I saw another area we share. I have been pursuing very healthy diets and have been a vegan for many years. I’ve read many articles on diets which I call life styles, on line and downloaded a book called, “Eat to Live”, by Joel Fuhrman. I heard his series on WHYY on how to reverse heart disease which I have. His diet is mostly vegan with an occasional egg or a piece of wild caught salmon once a week. The diet is high in phytonutrients consisting of GOMBS ( greens, onions, mushrooms, beans berries and seeds ). I’d love to expand on it but I’ll save it for another time if you are interested.
We also have to talk about flying and other things. But your days are so crammed full that 24 hours to you is a half work day. Spring will be here…I think!
Phil K.
Hey Phil!
Good to hear from you. I’m curious…how hard was it going vegan? As much as I try to stay on the straight-and-narrow, once in a while I have to some meat. Not logical, but then I’m not always logical.
I’m posting your comments within this hour.
If you’re interested, go on the site and take a look at the latest article. It’s up on the site but won’t go out till next week. It’s entitled, That Kid Inside You. You might enjoy it.
Henry