The Spring Semester is quickly coming to an end - Finals are next week, WOW.
Because studying is synonymous with snacking I have to be careful to not loose focus and PLAN my strategy NOW.
Brain Food is not always an oral substance. It can also be a mental "appetizer" that provides a GREAT source of energy, vitality, and academic conditioning for the neural system.
Great Brain Food options include:
* Salmon and Spinach, of course
* Walnuts
* Extra Virgin Oil
* Green leafy vegetables
* Fish
* Flax Seeds
* Logic Problems
So classmates and students everywhere who are gearing up for those Finals, remember to keep some walnuts, salmon, and spinach within arms reach so you, too, won't be tempted to over do it when you have that "SNACK-ATTACK".
Additional Resources
“What Is Good Brain Food?” from Psychology Today
The Brain Food Pyramid, from The Franklin Institute of Science Learning
“Fish: It really is brain food,” from the American Dietetic Association
Puzzles For the Brain To Gnaw On by RinkWorks
Games of Logic and Reasoning from SuperKids
~Vernita
Posts
At the end of any journey, it’s always nice to reflect on the experience and enjoy the exhilaration that comes with accomplishment. During the past 12 weeks, seven real women have opened their hearts and minds to women across the country. They’ve revealed struggles, shared empowering messages, offered valuable tips and served as genuine advocates for this program.
During the Choose To Move challenge, these women not only engaged in physical activity, they discovered a community of women who share a common goal – increase physical activity in order to develop a healthier lifestyle. Their success is a direct result of determination, commitment and the support they received from those in the Choose To Move community.
From a mom with three kids to a full-time college student to women in the workplace, our real women take on many important roles. And as women juggling multiple responsibilities, we want to be the best we can be - a common thread among women in America. However, in order to be the best for our families, we must do what’s best for ourselves. Our seven real women did exactly that! Each woman, in her own way, learned how to make time for physical activity and develop better eating habits!
For Ruann, Kara, Lisa, Melanie, Vernita, Kathleen and Zulema, the 12-week challenge has come to an end. However, the ultimate reality is that their life-long journey to maintain a healthy lifestyle has only begun. No matter where you are in this journey, I encourage you to rely on women in the Choose To Move community, as well as those around you. Take advantage of the Choose To Move program and turn this challenge into a way of life.
My total chol. is 184
HDL is 46
LDL is 106
Trig. is 184
I have been on a low fat, low carb diet since Sept (NutriSystem). Should I be concerm about my Trig?
Comment by on February 12, 2008 2:54 PMDr. Mieres,
I'm very much an internet girl. As soon as I found out I had high blood pressure, I found this site. After going through all the 'choose to move' selectees, I chose Vervita, for the reason that she update often and replied to those that posted comments.
Well here we are, 6 months later, most of those chosen have yet to update.
Considering these are all busy and accomplished women, perhaps some slack should be cut. Ok.
The forums are worse. I have had to hunt and peck to find true posts, some of which should be answered by a professional, not a jr. high social studies teacher.
I'm sorry to be so negative. In truth, AHA diet and recipes have made it possible that I may be coming off meds next week. My diet plan has been based on your cookbooks.
When I called in my numbers today, to get a refill, the office called me back and said the doctor said when I want, to stop meds for 4 days and make an appointment for the 5th. If bp is in the 100-120 range, we'll stop the meds. Woo hoo! Diet and exercise may pay off!
Comment by on June 12, 2008 8:17 PMDr. Mieres,
I'm very much an internet girl. As soon as I found out I had high blood pressure, I found this site. After going through all the 'choose to move' selectees, I chose Vervita, for the reason that she update often and replied to those that posted comments.
Well here we are, 6 months later, most of those chosen have yet to update.
Considering these are all busy and accomplished women, perhaps some slack should be cut. Ok.
The forums are worse. I have had to hunt and peck to find true posts, some of which should be answered by a professional, not a jr. high social studies teacher.
I'm sorry to be so negative. In truth, AHA diet and recipes have made it possible that I may be coming off meds next week. My diet plan has been based on your cookbooks.
When I called in my numbers today, to get a refill, the office called me back and said the doctor said when I want, to stop meds for 4 days and make an appointment for the 5th. If bp is in the 100-120 range, we'll stop the meds. Woo hoo! Diet and exercise may pay off!
Comment by on June 12, 2008 8:17 PM
Comments
May 05 | Melanie said …
This is great information Vernita. I hope my students eat brain food this week - I'm giving finals to my 270 students. I don't know who is more ready for the semester to end - the students or the faculty!
May 05 | Oneda said …
Vernita,
Thanks for the helpful websites,I need brainpower for coping with life's everyday challenges. Of course I have the almonds, fruit, and water to help me through.
Keep the brain and body moving young lady.
Love you.
May 05 | Vernita said …
Hello Melanie,
You have a considerable number of students - your workload is equally as demanding as that of a student's. But I will have to "weigh" on the side with the students as to which group is most anxious for the semester to end ( Am I, a student, being impartial?) -
Great job on increasing your heart rate - 150 is RESPECTIBLE!
~Vernita
May 05 | Vernita said …
Hello Mom,
Can't wait to see you and Dad in June!!! Have lots of BRAIN FOOD ready 'cause I need it for comprehensive exams next school year.
Much love,
~Vernita
May 06 | kara said …
Good luck Vernita! I admire you! Study hard!
May 06 | Vernita said …
Thanks, Kara! Keep me in your prayers.
~Vernita
May 06 | k-k-k-katie said …
Ever since I came back from vacation, work has been particularly consuming and ugly. And when I feel pressed for time and those ________ (fill in the blank with cookies, chocolates, pastries, chips, pretzels, pop-tarts, etc) are looking good, I ask myself, "What would Vernita do?".
She wouldn't eat that junk - so, following your inspiration, I make a cup of tea that is filling and comforting all at the same time.
Keep up the good work, for you continue to inspire us all.
May 06 | Vernita said …
Hello Chef K-k-k-k-katie,
I almost choked after I read your comment - was it the laughter? was it the guilt? was it (the) both, maybe?
Vernita would "hit" the water, natural popcorn, plain almonds, organic raisins, organic granola, and/or sugarless gum that she keeps with her at ALL times. Now, if the chocolate is covering the raisins or almonds, she may sample a couple or so. After the third (sample) she would probably reflect on her 45 minute exercise bike workout that she had this morning and then abruptly leave the premises.
From now on I think I will add tea to the MIX.
~Vernita
May 07 | k-k-k-katie said …
Vernita: I have the "regular" almonds, but believe me, the chocolate covered ones from the Natural Foods store are fantastic!
Tea really is soothing for all the calamity around me and filling, if I add milk to the mix.
May 08 | Vernita said …
Hello Chef K-k-k-k-katie,
With both finals and projects due this week life has been a bit "interesting" to say the least.
I prefer the chocolate covered almonds, any day, but Healthy says to monitor my intake of those goodies. You know, Healthy and I have been on hiatus from each other for a long time...it's nice to have Healthy back home again.
~Vernita
May 19 | Joan said …
Hi, Vernitta. I am one of 'Kathleen's ladies' but I confess to browsing other blogs a lot too. (Love you, Kathleen,but we need all the inspiration we can find, right?) I recall that you were in Chicago a while back and mentioned the food temptations there. I was there to attend Grandaughter Amanda's graduation ceremony (Masters in Social Work from Loyola) and had a marvelous meal at North Pond, the restaurant in the Park. I had halibut which was lightly prepared and out of this world delicious! Next trip to the windy city, I recommend that you splurge on a meal at this posh and lovely place. I enjoy your site and wish you the best in your studies. Joan
May 19 | Vernita said …
Hello Joan,
Thank you for your well wishes.
We are all on this journey together supporting one another every step of the way...
Give my warmest congratulations to Amanda for her MAJOR achievement. By her very degree, MSW, I know that she is a very caring, giving, and probably nurturing individual. Great job, Grandma!
Hmmmmm...so you're telling me that I will have to extend my next stay in "Chi-Town." I will have to not only "visit" North Pond but also "repeat visit" Stetson's Chop House for the North Atlantic Salmon and Sautéed Spinach. A warm feeling still resurfaces when I think of that delectable meal.
~Vernita
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