January 6, 2022

Bulletin 104 Health Topic

BRAIN REPAIR

The brain has its own waste removal system which is similar to the bodies lymphatic system called the Glymphatic system.


When we fall into a deep sleep, the hippocampus part of the brain will shrink by 200%. This leaves room for cerebral spinal fluid to wash beta-amyloid and other metabolic waste out of the brain.


This happens during the deep non rem sleep cycle which is the early stage of sleeping. It’s important not to wake up or disrupt this process as it will affect how much fluid is released into the brain cavity.


The Glymphatic system operates most efficiently when the body is horizontal. Falling asleep or dozing off upright will severely limit the release of spinal fluid.


For optimal results sleeping on your side with legs slightly raised will increase the Glymphatic wash process.


Zone 2 training, where you are training at a low-level heart rate (being able to talk but not sing) has also been shown to support the Glymphatic system.


This can be done on a stationary bike or cross-trainer for 45mins to an hour, 3 times per week.


You will also get the added benefit of making your mitochondria more efficient in utilising fat oxidisation for energy.


Each night if you are not getting enough sleep the waste product (beta-amyloid) accumulates, leading over time the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Eggs & Tuna with Green Beans

July 23, 2025
Eggs & Tuna with Green Beans 2 servings | 25 minutes  INGREDIENTS 4 Egg 2 cups Green Beans (trimmed) 2 tbsps Mayonnaise 1 1/2 tsps Red Wine Vinegar 1 can Tuna (drained) 2 stalks Green Onion (chopped)  METHOD Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Cover and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and let it stand covered for 12 minutes. Drain and run cold water over the eggs until cool enough to handle and peel. Cut the eggs in half and set aside. Meanwhile, place the green beans in a steamer basket over boiling water and cover. Steam for three to five minutes. Run under cold water, drain, and set aside. Whisk together the mayonnaise and red wine vinegar. Divide the green beans, eggs, tuna, and green onions onto a plate. Add the dressing on top and enjoy! NOTES Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: One serving is approximately two eggs, half a can of tuna, and one cup of green beans. More Flavor: Add salt and pepper, parsley, and tomatoes. Canned Tuna: One can of tuna is equal to 165 grams or 5.8 ounces, drained. Nutrition Facts ​ ​ Amount per serving ​ 309 calories 30gs protein 13gs carb 16gs fat

Ham & Cheese Stuffed Chicken

July 16, 2025
Ham & Cheese Stuffed Chicken 2 servings | 30 minutes INGREDIENTS 10 ozs Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless) Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) 3 ozs Sliced Ham 2 ozs Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) 1/16 oz Avocado Oil Spray (divided) 2 cups Mixed Greens METHOD Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the chicken breasts in half, lengthwise to create a pocket in each chicken breast. Do not cut all the way through. Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper. Layer the ham and cheese into the chicken breasts. Place the chicken onto the baking sheet and spray with avocado oil. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken has cooked though. Serve with mixed greens and enjoy! NOTES Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: One serving is one stuffed chicken breast and about one cup of mixed greens. More Flavor: Spread some pesto sauce into the chicken. Additional Toppings: Top with parsley and parmesan cheese. Avocado Oil Spray: One gram (or 1/16 oz) of avocado oil spray is equal to a one-second spray. Nutrition Facts ​ ​Amount per serving​ 315 calories 48gs protein 5gs carb 12gs fat

Garlic Butter Steak, Edamame & Asparagus

July 9, 2025
Garlic Butter Steak, Edamame & Asparagus 2 servings | 20 minutes INGREDIENTS 2 cups Edamame Pods 10 ozs Flank Steak (sliced very thinly against the grain) 2 tbsps Tamari (divided) 2 tsps Cornstarch 2 tsps Avocado Oil 2 tbsps Water 2 tbsps Butter 2 Garlic (clove, minced) 2 cups Asparagus (woody ends trimmed, chopped) METHOD Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Place the edamame pods in the boiling water and cook for three minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain and rinse and set aside. In a bowl, mix together the steak with half the tamari and cornstarch. Heat a large wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil. Once hot, add the steak in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook for one minute, undisturbed. Flip and cook for one more minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Remove the wok from the heat and let cool slightly for one minute. Return over medium heat and add the water, butter, and garlic. Toss to combine. Add the edamame, asparagus, and remaining tamari and cook for three minutes, tossing often. Add the steak and toss everything together. Divide onto plates and enjoy!  Notes Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two days. Serving Size: One serving is approximately one cup of edamame, one cup of asparagus, and 3/4 cup of steak (sliced). More Flavor: Add chili flakes. Serve Ii With: As is, or with rice on the side. Nutrition Facts ​ ​Amount per serving​ 531 calories 46gs protein 24gs carb 30gs fat