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.

August 7, 2025
 One Pan Bacon & Cod Skillet 2 servings | 25 minutes INGREDIENTS 4 slices Bacon (chopped) 1 Yellow Onion (medium, chopped) 1 Cod Fillet (chopped) 1 tbsp Avocado Oil 1 Sweet Potato (Japanese, large, peeled, diced) 1/4 cup Parsley (chopped) 2 tsps Apple Cider Vinegar (or to taste, optional) METHOD Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bacon and the onions. Cook for three to four minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. Add the cod and sauté for two to three minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Set aside. Remove the bacon grease from the pan and carefully wipe the pan out with a paper towel. Add the oil and sweet potato to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for about five to seven minutes or until browned and cooked through. Return the fish mixture to the pan. Stir in the parsley and cook for two more minutes, stirring, to heat through. Divide evenly between plates. Drizzle with apple cider vinegar (optional) and enjoy! NOTES Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: One serving is approximately 1 1/2 cups. More Flavor: Add smoked paprika. Use salmon instead of cod. Fillet Size: One cod fillet is equal to 231 grams or eight ounces. Nutrition Facts ​ ​Amount per 2 servings​ 905 calories 39gs protein 126gs carb 28gs fat
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
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