August 3, 2020

Sleep

 

A lack of sleep is one of the most significant lifestyle factors that determines your risk of Alzheimer’s.

The brain has its own waste removal system which is similar to the body’s 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 out of the brain.

Basically cleaning all the waste out from the brain.

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

Sleep deprivation can reduce your natural cancer killer cells by 70%. These cells are responsible for identifying and destroying malignant cancer cells throughout the body.

This is why the World Health Organisation has classified nightshift as a probable carcinogen.

When entering into the early stages of sleep our brain neurons are still buzzing from the daily activities.

If you can imagine the similarity of the pre game noise at a soccer match when everyone is talking to the person next to them. It creates a disjointed buzz around the ground.

When we enter into a deep sleep (N-REM) our neurons start to synchronize and communicate with each other. Imagine the 90 000 soccer crowd synchronizing and singing during the match.

During this communication period, the brain starts storing the day’s information, like hitting the save button on your memories, its storing knowledge.

If you sleep well you will eat well. Depriving yourself of sleep will increase the hunger hormone ghrelin and decrease the full hormone leptin. This makes us crave sugary carbohydrates. We become hyperinsulinemia and start holding onto body fat.

Strength, stamina, and motivation to exercise all decline with a lack of sleep.

  • increases risk of Alzheimer’s
  • Affects your immune system
  • Impairs your learning and memory
  • Increases risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Increases risk of cancer
  • Contributes to depression and anxiety
  • Can lead to insulin resistance and weight gain.

Preparing yourself for sleep, try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day

  • Don’t eat 3hrs before bedtime
  • Keep off electronic devices 1hr before bedtime
  • Keep all electronic devices out of room
  • Try to make your room as dark as possible.

If awake in the middle of the night get up and read in another room until sleepy.

High Protein Vegetarian Frittata

By Zina Stone • May 7, 2026
Ingredients 8 large eggs 1 cup liquid egg whites 1 cup high-protein ricotta ¼ cup crème fraîche ¼ cup grated parmesan ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground pepper 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3 cups thinly sliced leeks, rinsed well and patted dry 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 200–300g firm tofu, crumbled 1 cup shelled edamame 2 tablespoons pesto ¼ cup fresh basil

Japanese Inspired Salmon Bowl

By Zina Stone • April 23, 2026
Ingredients For the salmon 2 salmon fillets (about 150g each) 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium) 1 tsp mirin 1 tsp sesame oil 1 tsp grated ginger 1 garlic clove, minced For the bowl 1 cup cooked brown rice or sushi rice 1 cup edamame, shelled 1 cup bok choy, chopped 1 medium carrot, julienned 1/2 cucumber, sliced 1 tbsp sesame seeds 2 green onions, sliced Nori strips (optional) For the dressing 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium) 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tsp sesame oil 1 tsp honey or maple syrup 1/2 tsp grated ginger

Chicken & Broccoli Salad

By Zina Stone • April 9, 2026
Ingredients 2 cups broccoli (finely chopped, raw) 2 cups kale (finely chopped, stems removed for best texture) 1 cup broccoli sprouts 200g chicken thigh fillets (trimmed & cooked) ¼ cup almonds (roughly chopped) ¼ cup sunflower seeds ¼ cup feta cheese (optional) 2 tbsp red onion (finely diced) Sulforaphane-Boosting Dressing ½ cup Greek yogurt 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp whole mustard seeds OR ½ tsp mustard powder 1 tbsp hemp seeds 1 tsp honey (optional) Salt & pepper to taste Method Step one - Cook The Chicken Season and cook thigh fillets until golden and cooked through. Rest, then slice. Step two - Chop your greens Finely chop broccoli and kale. Step Three - Activate the sulforaphane Let the chopped broccoli sit for 5–10 minutes before mixing . Step four - Massage the kale Add a pinch of salt and massage for 1–2 minutes until softened. Step five - Combine salad Add broccoli, kale , broccoli sprouts, chicken, almonds, sunflower seeds, feta, and onion. Step six - Make the dressing Whisk everything together until creamy. Step seven - Toss & serve Mix well and let sit 5–10 minutes for best flavour. Nutritional Information & Cooking Times Serves: 2-3 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 12 - 15 minutes 460 kcal | 20g Fat | 38g Protein | 15g Carbohydrates