Hello and welcome to Brain Health Kitchen!
I’m Annie Fenn, a physician, author, culinary instructor, university educator, and mom. Losing my mom to Alzheimer’s set me on a path to save as many brains as possible. Here at Brain Health Kitchen (and in my book), I’m spreading the word that cognitive decline is not inevitable. In fact, the latest science solidly states that most cases of dementia are preventable. That’s why my mission is to help you take care of your brain while still eating delicious food.
How’d I get here?
After practicing obstetrics and gynecology for more than 20 years in Jackson, Wyoming, I traded my stethoscope for a whisk and went back to school to study culinary arts in Mexico and Italy, and took classes at the Culinary Institute of America.
I founded the Brain Health Kitchen in 2015 as a way to bring people together to fight Alzheimer’s. It all started in my home kitchen with a handful of students motivated to learn how to nourish and protect their brains. Now my mission has expanded to help people of all ages—I educate school age kids, college students, medical and graduate students, young adults, and those in mid-life and beyond. And it’s not just about not getting Alzheimer’s, although that’s paramount. My mission is to help you have a brain that thrives at every age.
In case you haven’t heard, what you eat is a crucial factor for aging with a vibrant, dementia-free brain. But which foods can truly protect the brain? I’m here to help. I scour the scientific literature to bring you the latest science in Alzheimer’s prevention, both in and out of the kitchen. I create streamlined recipes packed with neuroprotective ingredients using brain-friendly cooking techniques. (Think: good-for-you, but with a touch of decadence.) And, I help you steer clear of the foods that are known to accelerate brain aging.
Over the past decade, I’ve taught thousands of students in hands-on and online classes to cook using the Brain Health Kitchen method. Since 2017, I’ve been writing directly to the BHK community through this newsletter. I also wrote the book on brain-healthy cooking, quite literally. My first book—The Brain Health Kitchen: Preventing Alzheimer’s Through Food (Artisan Books, January 2023)—is available here and wherever books are sold. I packed all 400 pages with as much science and practical wisdom as possible, along with 100 easy, delicious recipes.
Why Subscribe?
Consistency matters. If you are serious about taking care of your brain, the habits I recommend are more likely to stick if cultivated in small doses—consistently—over time.
Free subscribers have full access to the first newsletter of the month plus previews of everything I’m sharing.
Paying subscribers ($7 monthly or $70 annually—about $5 a month) have full access to the entire archive, can leave comments, and get questions answered. (I answer each and every question personally.) Here’s what to expect:
New and original BHK recipes: over 70 brain-healthy recipes like this one for Sardinian Lentil Soup with Lots of Herbs, these Better-For-You Nachos, these One-Bowl Breakfast Cookies, and this one for Fudgy Quinoa Brownies. So far there are over 70 original recipes on the site!
Brain health mini-series: a series of posts that go deep on a key brain health topic. So far we’ve covered cholesterol, metabolic health, environmental toxins, the health benefits of coffee and tea, supplements, menopause, perimenopause, the gut microbiome, alcohol, brain-healthy ingredient swaps, calcium, fiber, creatine, getting enough protein, and much more.
Kitchen Intelligence: an ingredient, tool, cooking technique, or non-recipe recipe
Open Threads: topics for discussion, like books we recommend, podcasts we love, and perimenopause. Paid subscribers can comment on posts and threads.
Exclusive discount codes to help you save money on some of my favorite products—online organic groceries, matcha, zero-proof drinks, and my favorite brain health supplements.
5 Brain Healthy Things I’m Into: A fun series of tips on my latest brain health discoveries, often with discount coes just for paying subscribers
Downloadable BHK Guides: comprehensive reviews for you to print and save on topics like brain health supplements, cooking oils, and tips on cultivating a healthy metabolism
Brain Health News: Real-life take-aways from the latest study on Alzheimer’s prevention
First dibs on Brain Health Retreats (Italy and Costa Rica sell out quickly!)
Founding Members: Join me for 4 live cooking classes each year
Founding Members ($210 annually) have full access to all content + 4 live-on-zoom cooking classes (where I share new recipes created just for them) each year. These “Kitchen Chats” also focus on a crowd sourced from the group.
Please note that this newsletter donates to charity, takes occasional breaks, and cannot honor refunds after 7 days (see full refund policy, below).
Everyone is welcome here at BHK. Whether you sign up for free or purchase a paying or Founding Member subscription, I am grateful you are here to take the best care of your brain. Paid subscribers: thank you for supporting my work.
Much love,
Annie Fenn, M.D.
brainhealthkitchen@gmail.com
PS: Do you know someone who would like to receive this newsletter? Please share. Or, even better, give it to them as a gift.
Refunds
Did you purchase a paid subscription in error? If so, contact me at brainhealthkitchen@gmail.com within 7 days for a refund. No refunds are available after this time period.
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