YIKES am I getting this done late – where has the time gone?! I took some much-needed time off over the holidays to rest and recharge, and now I’m excited to get back to work. I thought I’d let you know what brain-healthy activities I’ve been up to and this year’s most popular recipes as a 2023 wrap-up.
Videos
If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, hopefully you saw the reels I posted (click on those links to follow me). But if not, here they are! This one is about the one thing I wish everyone knew about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia:
The next reel is some advice for how to slowly and sustainably add brain-healthy habits into your daily life. If working on your brain health and Alzheimer’s prevention is one of your goals for 2024, give it a view and let me know if you have questions! (Surprise: I actually don’t recommend starting with the MIND Diet here!)
Food
I rang in the new year with some yummy and brain-healthy dinner options. For New Year’s Eve, I made an easy bouillabaisse recipe. If you’re not familiar, this is a French seafood stew made with saffron. I don’t use saffron often due to its high cost, but it has so many brain-health benefits and tastes so delicious that I was happy to deplete my small saffron stash for a nice New Years Eve dinner.
For New Year’s Day, I wanted something comforting but full of nutrients after some holiday indulgences. So I went with this vegetable stew from Midwest Foodie. This recipe was already MIND Diet-compliant so it was an easy one to throw together for a relaxing dinner. It was yummy – give it a try on a cold day!
Nature
I’m planning on writing about this more in 2024, but engaging with nature is sooo good for your brain. Historically I have not been a winter person, but last year I decided to be better about getting outside in the winter. Luckily, I live in an area that is conducive to that (most days), and it’s made a huge difference in my mental health. All that to say: I took some hikes over the holidays and they rocked.
2023 Wrap-Up
If you’re need some inspiration or don’t know where to begin, these were 2023’s top five recipes:
5. Roasted Veggie Bowls with Farro and Hummus
4. Sweet Potatoes with Black Bean Chili and Cilantro-Lime Slaw
2. Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Oat Cookies
1. Mediterranean Lentil Soup with Kale and Za’atar (this is also my personal favorite!)
I bought this domain last January, so 2023 has truly been the year of MIND Diet Living. I have learned SO much and have met some wonderful people in the dementia prevention and caregiving spaces. One year ago, I had no idea that this is where I’d be. And I am thrilled to be here. I can’t wait to see what 2024 brings to this space. From the bottom of my heart: thank you for being here.
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