25 Comments
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Jun 25Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

My daugther Fernanda and her husband Adrio have chosen Sardinia to have their Honeymoon. They loved it!!❤️ Hope they have seen some centenarian couples holding hands at the piazza!

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Oh that is such a great choice for a honeymoon! I saw many older couples, truly heartwarming.

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Apr 15Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Saluti! Awesome article Annie! Knowing that Sardinians eat a lot of fresh cheese, and are a part of the Blue Zones, I've wondered about this myself. My own research is supporting everything you mention. Local fresh food, lots of daily movement, socialization- all part of healthy longevity. I look forward to learning more from you! Enjoy your retreat- I'd love to attend one some day. I'll be in Tropea next month. xo

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Hello Bria, yes I find their culture fascinating and hopeful on so many levels. Have the best trip--would love to hear about Tropea.

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May 17Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

I will let you know. So happy it's in Southern Italy and similar to a Blue Zone. Need all the help I can get since both parents have a form of dementia. Your research is phenomenal and I, like so many, am very grateful. Thank you.

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Apr 13Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Hi Annie. Thanks for your message and Sofia's Instagram information. I'd love to come to one of your brain health retreats in Italy sometime. I am sure my wife would enjoy it also. Hopefully one day. Take care.

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I think that you would love the brain health retreat in Italy Dino!!!

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Apr 13Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Thanks so much for all this information which is so helpful. As others have said, you so often give us clarification and answer questions that don't seem to come up elsewhere! I do, however, have a question! I didn't see cottage cheese mentioned anywhere on the chart or in the Sardinian diet. I'm curious where you would put it. Is it in the "fermented" category, or under foods to limit or avoid? If I eat yogurt (plain) according to your plan of 1/2 cup daily, is eating cottage cheese as well going to cause a problem, perhaps with weight gain or somethiing else? I don't see it listed in the index of your book, but I know you've discussed it before. Perhaps there's an post with your opinion about it? I'm likely over-worrying, and might simply not overdo eating it! I do love it! Dottie

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Hi Dottie. I have not seen cottage cheese in Sardinia. I think you will find answers to your questions in this post:

https://brainhealthkitchen.substack.com/p/protein-packed-pancakes-with-wild?utm_source=publication-search

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Apr 13Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

I really enjoyed this article, and what I see as the important "reality"check you offered through your experience. At times, I feel the narrative around attaining lifelong health and longevity is presented in such a complicated and almost gate keeping way. My takeaway from what you shared actually simplifies health and long life in a beautiful way; eat real homegrown, home-cooked food, move your body daily, connect with others, rest, and celebrate. Thanks for your insight and helping me feel like I was there with you. I hope to join someday!

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author

Very well put! Although I love sharing the science of what we know to live long and healthy, I also love how the human experience differs from place to place. And yes, please join. I think you would love it!

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Apr 12Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

I love the checklist! Are you familiar with Dr. Fuhrman’s Nutritarian food guidelines? They’re actually very similar to these, but without the olive oil.

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Thank Julianne. No, I have not seen those! How interesting.

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Apr 12Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Hi Annie. Another great newsletter here. Thanks.

I am an Italian American. My mom's side of the family is from Calabria and my dad's side of the family is from Gerola Alta in northern Italy.

Does Sofia have an Instagram account. I'd like to learn more about how the young people in Italy are keeping the traditional ways alive.

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Apr 13·edited Apr 13Author

Hi Dino. How wonderful! You should come on the next Italy trip! And yes, you can follow Sofia at. _queen_soph_

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Apr 12Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

First of all, LOVE the goat photo! 🐐 how did you get him to pose? Second, Annie, I appreciate that you share these paradoxes, possible hypotheses, and don’t just gloss over them. It’s funny - we have a goat sculpture in our backyard. Maybe we should get a real one to enjoy cheese with breakfast followed by some Goat Yoga! 😜

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Thanks Sally for saying that. Yes, the paradoxes are so interesting and it's also a good reminder that nutrition is important but the overalll picture probably matters even more. You should definitely get a goat!

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Apr 12Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Fascinating! Very much enjoy reading your newsletters,

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Thanks Pam!

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Apr 12Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Please do not renew my membership. Your info has been great but I can take it form here. There seems to be no other way to contact you other than through comments.

Rhoda Marshall

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No problem Rhoda. In case any one else is wondering, you can contact me here in the comments, by replying to this email, or by sending me a direct private message through Substack. I answer every email and message.

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Apr 12Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Thank you for the BHK Good Guidelines checklist, Annie! I just printed it out and plan on sharing with family and friends. Enjoy Italy! XOXO

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Yes please share!!!

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Apr 12Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

I'm thinking that maybe eating uncooked cheese with teeming with healthy microbes as a daily habit like the Sardinians do, would be way better for us than eating cheese in the form of pizza, cheese muffins, quiche, etc where surely the microbes have all been killed by the heat

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Yes, and the cheese is either fresh or slowly fermented using old techniques. No bags of shredded cheddar!

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