Great post! A light bulb moment. It's not food choices for me but mood. After a day in the office and associated commute, I have been known to turn into Dr Jekyll. I do and say things that later leave me wondering WTF was that all about. Cognitive overload. Now I realise I need to give my brain some space in the day.
yes! one solution that works for me is a crock pot dinner on office days. that way I come home to a hot healthy meal that is as easy as serve it up and enjoy!
As I started reading this post, I had to smile because one memory I have of our early phone conversations was the fact that I could always tell that you were munching on something. :)
As for my own experience, I have found that the more stimulated my imagination gets, especially during a very exciting brainstorm with colleagues, the less mindful I become. The speed of my eating increases quite a bit, which can be embarrassing. Its as if my brain is gobbling up the new ideas while I gobble down my food!
LOL. Apparently, I wasn't hiding my habit very well, Linda! Such an interesting observation about imagination and mindfulnness, too. I need to think on that a bit.
Jonathan, I am researching a topic and finding no clues; so, perhaps you can tell me if you know something about this. What is the opposite of dementia? Why do some of my professional friends past 60 have mental decline while others are becoming sharper, faster, and more brilliant than ever before? And none of them were less than smart and sharp in previous years. What is it called when their brains and abilities accelerate at the same time that peers stay the same or show symptoms of dementia? I want to do a feature story or essay on this if you can help me with the thesis: What is it called when you are at the opposite of dementia?
Okay. You are one of the few who might have researched this. Let me know if there are others with your level of experience I might ask. Brain science shows lots of data about brain scan improvements when people take care of themselves--diet changes, exercise changes, but that's not what I want to know about. It's the extraordinary performance of some people I know in 60's, 70's, and 80's who are swinging for the fences and surpassing their already-decades of performance.
I would also be interested in where this cognitive decline intersects with the hormonal changes women go through in menopause. do men also have third act hormonal fluctuations?
I used to get home from work and go straight to the kitchen! 🙃 My new rule is: if I go straight to the kitchen, my only choices are a cup of tea or a healthy protein drink, no exceptions!
Implement the guideline of not eating between meals as the jar of almonds seduces me every time I wander into the kitchen! Not sure if my brain is overloaded or bored - will have to dig a bit deeper
Glad it resonated, Andrea. And omg dry-roasted, salted almonds are one of my addictions. Though, granted, in the scheme of things, not such a bad one to have. ;-)
😅 Chocolate gets me every time... I can start off the day/week headstrong that I am not giving in to eating unhealthy, I will say no to chocolate this week and then : the slightest trigger-stress / emotional text or "did someone say chocolate / cake" and I am all puppy dog/puss in boots big eyes 🤣, but it also ruins me so I need to find that balance lol.
Great post! A light bulb moment. It's not food choices for me but mood. After a day in the office and associated commute, I have been known to turn into Dr Jekyll. I do and say things that later leave me wondering WTF was that all about. Cognitive overload. Now I realise I need to give my brain some space in the day.
Ah, so interesting, Sharon. I guess we each respond different to cognitive drain.
yes! one solution that works for me is a crock pot dinner on office days. that way I come home to a hot healthy meal that is as easy as serve it up and enjoy!
As I started reading this post, I had to smile because one memory I have of our early phone conversations was the fact that I could always tell that you were munching on something. :)
As for my own experience, I have found that the more stimulated my imagination gets, especially during a very exciting brainstorm with colleagues, the less mindful I become. The speed of my eating increases quite a bit, which can be embarrassing. Its as if my brain is gobbling up the new ideas while I gobble down my food!
LOL. Apparently, I wasn't hiding my habit very well, Linda! Such an interesting observation about imagination and mindfulnness, too. I need to think on that a bit.
Jonathan, I am researching a topic and finding no clues; so, perhaps you can tell me if you know something about this. What is the opposite of dementia? Why do some of my professional friends past 60 have mental decline while others are becoming sharper, faster, and more brilliant than ever before? And none of them were less than smart and sharp in previous years. What is it called when their brains and abilities accelerate at the same time that peers stay the same or show symptoms of dementia? I want to do a feature story or essay on this if you can help me with the thesis: What is it called when you are at the opposite of dementia?
Interesting question, Georgia. I don't know the answer, but it IS a question I've been thinking about a bit more as well.
Okay. You are one of the few who might have researched this. Let me know if there are others with your level of experience I might ask. Brain science shows lots of data about brain scan improvements when people take care of themselves--diet changes, exercise changes, but that's not what I want to know about. It's the extraordinary performance of some people I know in 60's, 70's, and 80's who are swinging for the fences and surpassing their already-decades of performance.
I would also be interested in where this cognitive decline intersects with the hormonal changes women go through in menopause. do men also have third act hormonal fluctuations?
I used to get home from work and go straight to the kitchen! 🙃 My new rule is: if I go straight to the kitchen, my only choices are a cup of tea or a healthy protein drink, no exceptions!
Love that you noticed this pattern, Nancy. And then make some clear guidelines to help out.
Such an inspiring post - I think I will
Implement the guideline of not eating between meals as the jar of almonds seduces me every time I wander into the kitchen! Not sure if my brain is overloaded or bored - will have to dig a bit deeper
Glad it resonated, Andrea. And omg dry-roasted, salted almonds are one of my addictions. Though, granted, in the scheme of things, not such a bad one to have. ;-)
Smoked almonds 😍
😅 Chocolate gets me every time... I can start off the day/week headstrong that I am not giving in to eating unhealthy, I will say no to chocolate this week and then : the slightest trigger-stress / emotional text or "did someone say chocolate / cake" and I am all puppy dog/puss in boots big eyes 🤣, but it also ruins me so I need to find that balance lol.
Same, same, Samantha! Especially good dark chocolate. Though, if I'm being really honest, any chocolate that starts with the letter c will due! LOL
The curse of the cocoa bean 😂