Brain Health Kitchen

Brain Health Kitchen

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There’s No Such Thing As Perfection When It Comes To Brain Health
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There’s No Such Thing As Perfection When It Comes To Brain Health

Plus, join me in Sicily for a 6-day retreat

Annie Fenn, MD's avatar
Annie Fenn, MD
Jan 31, 2023
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Brain Health Kitchen
Brain Health Kitchen
There’s No Such Thing As Perfection When It Comes To Brain Health
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This island of Ortigia in Syracuse, Sicily is home base for the next Brain Health Retreat in Italy.

Hello everyone. I am excited to announce dates for the next Brain Health Retreat in Sicily. As paying subscribers, you are the first to know! (Last year, this 6-day culinary and lifestyle tour sold out very quickly.) I would love to have you join me on our next trip. Here are the details:

What: The Brain Health Retreat in Sicily, a deep dive into the Mediterranean lifestyle through the lens of brain health.

When: September 10 to 16, 2023

Who: Hosted by Brain Health Kitchen (that’s me!), curated by Italian food expert Elizabeth Minchilli.

Where: We’ll be based on the ancient, magical island of Ortigia in southeastern Sicily.

What we’ll do: Visit local farms (olive oil, almonds, avocados, and grapes!), swim and walk along the Ionian Sea, learn about Sicilian wine, cook Sicilian specialties with a local chef, wander the nearby farmers market, and visit ancient sites with the best historical and cultural guides in Sicily. There’s lots to see and do, but also plenty of time to explore on your own, shop, and rest. Most days we’ll meet for Aperitivo Talks to discuss brain health topics.

For more information and to reserve your spot, follow the link at the end of this letter.

Progress Over Perfection

I know many of you have been diving into my book and reading the newsletter to learn about how to eat for brain health. I love how you are making your brain health a priority. Thank you for being willing to put the science of neuroprotective foods into action in your own life.

As you embark on your brain health journey, there’s one thing I want you to remember: It’s all about “progress over perfection.” In other words, don’t fall into the trap of trying to do everything perfectly. While it’s tempting to say you will only consume brain-healthy food from here on, the reality is this: good eating habits build slowly over time.

It’s more important that you are making PROGRESS in the right direction rather than going for PERFECTION in every food choice.

First of all, the perfect brain-healthy diet doesn’t exist. The truth is, there are several dietary patterns that have been shown to be brain protective against Alzheimer’s, and there is much room for individual variation, whether you are vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, or enjoy all sorts of foods. (This is where the “fit” part of my 4Fs guide to brain healthy eating comes in, which I’ll be writing about on Friday.)

Secondly, trying to eat “perfectly” all the time is stressful. And stress, we know, is bad for the brain. (Studies have actually measured how the brain shrinks when under duress over time.)

So here are a few tips to keep in mind as you endeavor to be your brain-healthiest self:

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