This book is intended as a reference volume only, not as a medical manual. The information given here is designed to help you make informed decisions about your health. It is not intended as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your doctor. If you suspect that you have a medical problem, we urge you to seek competent medical help.
Mention of specific companies, organizations, or authorities in this book does not imply endorsement by the author or publisher, nor does mention of specific companies, organizations, or authorities imply that they endorse this book, its author, or the publisher.
Internet addresses and telephone numbers given in this book were accurate at the time it went to press.
Exclusive direct mail hardcover published by Rodale Inc. in February 2016 as 60 Seconds to Boost Your Brain Power.
2016 by Michelle Schoffro Cook
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any other information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher.
Book design by Christina Gaugler
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file with the publisher.
ISBN 978-1-62336-481-6 trade paperback
ISBN 978-1-62336-482-3 e-book
We inspire health, healing, happiness, and love in the world. Starting with you.
RodaleWellness.com
To my wonderful parents, Michael and Deborah Schoffro.
Thank you for your support and love all these years.
To the love of my life and my husband, Curtis Cook.
You make life wonderful. Thank you, always.
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thank you to my excellent agent and friend, Claire Gerus. Thanks for your vision and the extensive work you do to get my books out there in the hands of readers.
Thank you to Anne Egan, Lora Sickora, and the team at Rodale. I appreciate your continued support of my work and your expertise in editing, design, marketing, and project management, all of which have made Boost Your Brain Power in 60 Seconds what it is and what it will become.
Thanks to my parents, Michael and Deborah Schoffro, for your ongoing belief in me throughout my lifetime.
Last but definitely not least, thanks to Curtis, my husband and soul mate. There are not sufficient words to thank you for all you do for me.
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
Boost Your Brain Power in 60 Seconds is divided into three parts. In throughout the 4-week challenge and, ideally, for life.
In . In other sections, you may need to follow only a handful of the tips provided to achieve excellent results. You can choose to follow more tips if you want to. Just dont stress yourself out trying to do too much, since stress can sabotage your best efforts.
In , youll discover delicious recipes designed to help you achieve success on the program. Most people are surprised by how easy these recipes are and how delicious they taste. They contain many brain-boosting superfoods and other brain healthbuilding ingredients.
While you may have heard or read that there is little you can do to protect yourself from brain diseases, cutting-edge research proves otherwise. With Boost Your Brain Power in 60 Seconds, you can empower yourself with the best foods, nutrients, herbs, and lifestyle suggestions to keep your brain functioning optimally for life. Soon after making these simple changes, youll find that your thinking is clearer, your memory is stronger, and your energy is skyrocketing. Youll find that you actually have a tremendous amount of power to prevent brain diseases.
60 Seconds to Boost Your Brain Power
AT A GLANCE
The Brain Health Plan
In , youll learn the Principles of the Brain Health Plan. Follow these basic dietary guidelines and exercises to jump-start your results. This will prime your body for success before you move on to the full 4-Week Brain Health Challenge. The Brain Health Plan eliminates common brain-inflaming offenders and incorporates the foods and habits that are essential to building a better brain.
Week 1 of the Brain Health Challenge: SubstituteFoods to Avoid, and the Foods to Replace Them
In , you will discover the harmful foods and food ingredients that may be damaging your brain. Many of these substances are hidden in common, everyday foods. You will learn how to spot them and why you need to avoid them to maximize your brain power. Youll also learn what foods you can eat to replace any youll be avoiding. Make all of the recommended substitutions this week because eliminating those substances is essential for results.
Week 2 of the Brain Health Challenge: BoostEat More of These Brain-Boosting Superfoods
In , youll learn about the proven brain-boosting foods and how to include them in your diet. Add as many of these new foods as desired this week, and continue eating them throughout the program to boost brain power and reduce inflammation. Choose at least five of these foods each day.
Week 3 of the Brain Health Challenge: StrategizeAdopt These Tips and Tricks to Boost Your Brain and Memory Power
In mind, including puzzles, tai chi, meditation, stress reduction, sleep, and more. Choose at least two of these strategies and add them to your daily brain-boosting plan to boost your brain and memory power.
Week 4 of the Brain Health Challenge: SupplementUse These Supplements to Supercharge Your Brain Health and Memory
In , respectively.)
Brain-Boosting Recipes
In , and many others. Youll also learn how to stock your brain-power kitchen, build a brain-boosting gourmet salad in minutes, find healthy breakfast options, and even boost your brain health while traveling.
CHAPTER 1
YOUR MIRACLE BRAIN
The human brain, then, is the most complicated organization of matter that we know.
ISAAC ASIMOV, FOREWORD TO THE THREE-POUND UNIVERSE BY J. HOOPER AND D. TERESI
In our modern, digital age, you may be inclined to think that computers are far superior to the human brain, but youd be wrong. The human brain is one of the most miraculous things on the planet. It is not only capable of advanced thought processes, but it can also change itself to suit its environment and lifestyle. But Im getting ahead of myself.
Your brain controls all of your bodily functions, moods, memories, and intellectual processes. Whether your brain is healthy and functioning well determines, to a large degree, your experience of the world and that within your own body. Yet we rarely give this impressive organ a second thought. Unless your memory starts to falter or you develop a nervous system condition, you are likely to neglect this powerful orchestrator of your body and, to a large extent, your life.