August 3, 2020

Sleep

 

A lack of sleep is one of the most significant lifestyle factors that determines your risk of Alzheimer’s.

The brain has its own waste removal system which is similar to the body’s lymphatic system called the Glymphatic system.

When we fall into a deep sleep, the hippocampus part of the brain will shrink by 200%. This leaves room for cerebral spinal fluid to wash beta-amyloid out of the brain.

Basically cleaning all the waste out from the brain.

Each night if you are not getting enough sleep the waste product (beta-amyloid) accumulates leading over time the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Sleep deprivation can reduce your natural cancer killer cells by 70%. These cells are responsible for identifying and destroying malignant cancer cells throughout the body.

This is why the World Health Organisation has classified nightshift as a probable carcinogen.

When entering into the early stages of sleep our brain neurons are still buzzing from the daily activities.

If you can imagine the similarity of the pre game noise at a soccer match when everyone is talking to the person next to them. It creates a disjointed buzz around the ground.

When we enter into a deep sleep (N-REM) our neurons start to synchronize and communicate with each other. Imagine the 90 000 soccer crowd synchronizing and singing during the match.

During this communication period, the brain starts storing the day’s information, like hitting the save button on your memories, its storing knowledge.

If you sleep well you will eat well. Depriving yourself of sleep will increase the hunger hormone ghrelin and decrease the full hormone leptin. This makes us crave sugary carbohydrates. We become hyperinsulinemia and start holding onto body fat.

Strength, stamina, and motivation to exercise all decline with a lack of sleep.

  • increases risk of Alzheimer’s
  • Affects your immune system
  • Impairs your learning and memory
  • Increases risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Increases risk of cancer
  • Contributes to depression and anxiety
  • Can lead to insulin resistance and weight gain.

Preparing yourself for sleep, try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day

  • Don’t eat 3hrs before bedtime
  • Keep off electronic devices 1hr before bedtime
  • Keep all electronic devices out of room
  • Try to make your room as dark as possible.

If awake in the middle of the night get up and read in another room until sleepy.

Ham & Cheese Stuffed Chicken

July 16, 2025
Ham & Cheese Stuffed Chicken 2 servings | 30 minutes INGREDIENTS 10 ozs Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless) Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) 3 ozs Sliced Ham 2 ozs Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) 1/16 oz Avocado Oil Spray (divided) 2 cups Mixed Greens METHOD Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the chicken breasts in half, lengthwise to create a pocket in each chicken breast. Do not cut all the way through. Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper. Layer the ham and cheese into the chicken breasts. Place the chicken onto the baking sheet and spray with avocado oil. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken has cooked though. Serve with mixed greens and enjoy! NOTES Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: One serving is one stuffed chicken breast and about one cup of mixed greens. More Flavor: Spread some pesto sauce into the chicken. Additional Toppings: Top with parsley and parmesan cheese. Avocado Oil Spray: One gram (or 1/16 oz) of avocado oil spray is equal to a one-second spray. Nutrition Facts ​ ​Amount per serving​ 315 calories 48gs protein 5gs carb 12gs fat

Garlic Butter Steak, Edamame & Asparagus

July 9, 2025
Garlic Butter Steak, Edamame & Asparagus 2 servings | 20 minutes INGREDIENTS 2 cups Edamame Pods 10 ozs Flank Steak (sliced very thinly against the grain) 2 tbsps Tamari (divided) 2 tsps Cornstarch 2 tsps Avocado Oil 2 tbsps Water 2 tbsps Butter 2 Garlic (clove, minced) 2 cups Asparagus (woody ends trimmed, chopped) METHOD Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Place the edamame pods in the boiling water and cook for three minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain and rinse and set aside. In a bowl, mix together the steak with half the tamari and cornstarch. Heat a large wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil. Once hot, add the steak in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook for one minute, undisturbed. Flip and cook for one more minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Remove the wok from the heat and let cool slightly for one minute. Return over medium heat and add the water, butter, and garlic. Toss to combine. Add the edamame, asparagus, and remaining tamari and cook for three minutes, tossing often. Add the steak and toss everything together. Divide onto plates and enjoy!  Notes Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two days. Serving Size: One serving is approximately one cup of edamame, one cup of asparagus, and 3/4 cup of steak (sliced). More Flavor: Add chili flakes. Serve Ii With: As is, or with rice on the side. Nutrition Facts ​ ​Amount per serving​ 531 calories 46gs protein 24gs carb 30gs fat

Chicken & Delicata Squash with Brown Butter Sage

July 2, 2025
Chicken & Delicata Squash with Brown Butter Sage  2 servings | 50 minutes INGREDIENTS 3 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil (divided) 1 tbsp Balsamic Glaze 1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard 1 tsp Maple Syrup 12 ozs Chicken Breast (bone-in, skin-on) Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) 1 Delicata Squash (small, cut in half lengthwise, seeds removed, cut into wedges) 1 tbsp Butter 1/4 cup Fresh Sage METHOD Preheat the oven to 425oF (220oC). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place an oven safe rack over top of one. In a small bowl, combine half the oil, balsamic glaze, mustard, and maple syrup. Place the chicken in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Pour about half of the balsamic mixture over the chicken and coat well. Place the chicken on the baking sheet with the rack. Add the squash to the second baking sheet. Coat with the remaining oil and season with salt and pepper. Transfer the chicken to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until cooked through. Halfway through baking, remove the chicken and brush the remaining balsamic mixture over top and return to the oven. Add the squash to the oven at this point too. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add the sage. Stir often until the butter has browned and smells nutty, about three to four minutes. Divide the chicken and squash onto plates and drizzle the sage butter over the squash. Enjoy! NOTES Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: One serving is about 1 1/2 cups of squash with 1 1/2 cups chicken (sliced). NUTRITION FACTS​ ​Amount per serving​ 618 calories 51gs protein 13gs carb 40gs fat
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