"Change your Thinking, Change your Life" is the invitation that I encourage you to embrace every day. In support of keeping our thinking "fine-tuned" and full of possibility taking a proactive stance in treating our brain to the very best in loving care makes inspired sense. A growing body of research suggests that we can have a powerful impact on how our brain, mind and memory decline or grow through life. The lifestyle choices that you make may be the best brain and memory medicine that you can take.

GET THINKING...
In the mythical story of the "phoenix", glory and triumph rise from the ashes of defeat. Surely a day does not pass where we are not asked by a challenge or loss to rise up again and choose to move forward with our lives; we have the opportunity to choose what we are going to do about what happens to us with clarity and conviction. Resolving to be bigger than every challenge comes from the belief that you are stronger than the temporary set-back and always prepared to live that sense of knowing in action. There is pure gold in that window between the challenge and your response to the challenge; pay attention and witness the power that you are, then demonstrate that power to yourself with faith and zeal. In the studies that track happiness there is direct correlation between being happy and facing daily set-backs. Set an intention to see each day as an opportunity to grow and embrace all that comes your way with passion!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT...
If you're interested in food that is truly delicious and may also help with supporting your brain and memory wellness there is reason for celebrating and flexing your muscle at your next trip to the grocery store. Studies suggest that a diet rich in key nutrients may be your brain and memory health's best friend.

Here's what to add to your cart: To begin, think breakfast and blueberries. One major brain-benefit from blueberries is a powerful antioxidant called the polyphenol that helps to protect your brain from something called oxidative stress, which can lead to unhealthy brain aging. In smoothies, on top of whole grain cereal, added to muffins or straight up, blueberries may help with memory wellness by actually helping with reversing age-related cognitive decline. Your PHENOLMENAL! Balance product also contains polyphenols from blueberries and other fruit, so you're already ahead of the brain game with your daily dose(s)!

While you are in the produce section, take a lead from Harvard-based research that concluded that cruciferous vegetables can be helpful in keeping us from being more forgetful as we age. We can choose from broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and kale. Whether we sauté, steam or add them to a fresh salad, the power of these vegetables is compelling as the researchers concluded that people who ate the most were less likely to be forgetful as they aged. While you are in the produce section, remember to go with leafy greens like spinach and other foods rich in folate. This B Vitamin has attracted a lot of well-deserved attention due to its promise in protecting against cognitive decline in large studies that included other folate-rich foods like beans and fortified grain foods.

When thinking about entrees, don't skip the fish counter: The original brain food could be fish, full of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. An observational study found that eating just one fish meal per week was associated with a 10% slower rate of cognitive decline. That 10% really adds up, translating into three to four more good years for your brain, and the earlier you begin the longer the benefits. Fish also has many other benefits, including supporting a positive mood and optimistic outlook.

When you're cruising the snack section reach for your favorite nuts and seeds; these are great sources of healthy fats and Vitamin E. Diets rich in Vitamin E foods (whole grains, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils) were associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. While in the herb and spice section, pick up and enjoy the blessing of turmeric. A favorite of Indian cuisine, turmeric has been shown to be a powerful force in helping Indian peoples lower their rates of Alzheimer's disease due to its rich anti-inflammatory qualities. You can make a big step towards greater memory with being creative in your kitchen and spicing up your favorite beans, rice, poultry and fish with your favorite curry. To top of your "brain smart cart" and your day of memory supportive cuisine enjoy a cup of green tea; rich in a powerful brain protective antioxidant called EGCG. Researchers from the Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who regularly drank green tea have sharper minds then those who do not drink green tea. Having as little as 4 to 6 cups per week resulted in 38% less cognitive impairment - let's toast to that!

GET MOVING...
Another brain boost lies beyond the aisles of the grocery store. Rather then heading directly for the car, take a longer route and get some exercise throughout the parking lot. Along with a healthy diet, studies show that even moderate exercise can help to support optimal cognitive function and decrease your overall risk for Alzheimer's disease by up to four times -- even if we start later in life! In much the same way our muscles get stronger in our bodies with exercise so do our minds get stronger with exercise; dedicate yourself to be a lifetime learner by stretching your mind to grow, to learn and to be actively thinking new and inspired thoughts.

You are all about "thought" and your ability to think in a positive fashion holds unlimited opportunity and co-creating with Spirit all that you desire. Starting today to dedicate your mind to choosing to think about the foods, exercise and daily lifestyle practices can lead you to experiencing all that you hold for yourself in your heart and in your mind -- and so it is!

If you have been putting on weight, some advertisements claim that hormonal changes from high stress may be to blame. [Some] ads offer products that will supposedly normalize your hormones, thus decreasing your waist size. But is stress related to weight? Are hormones the link? And should you use these products?

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, research does support some link between stress and weight. Stress is often involved when people relapse after weight loss, dropping new eating or exercise habits that they had hoped to continue.

When people are stressed they can also have trouble falling asleep. They may stay up late working or waiting to fully unwind. Even without any mental stress, studies show that a lack of sleep leads to lower levels of the hormone leptin, which can cause an increased appetite. Tired people often turn to food to replenish their energy.

Cortisol -- the hormone most often mentioned in connection with stress -- has many different jobs. When we feel threatened or stressed, cortisol levels rise in a "fight or flight" reaction, making fuel available for us to fight or run away. Yet in today's world we may never burn all the energy released by this hormone because stress is largely emotional and doesn't require a physical response. A recent study suggests that cortisol levels increase with chronic work overload and worry.

It is important to keep in mind that individuals vary in their response to stress. In one study, cortisol levels increased with stress in both men and women, but the kind of stress that caused this reaction differed. Some research suggests that cortisol may affect where body fat is stored. In one study, baseline levels of cortisol had no relation to women's fat distribution. But those whose cortisol levels jumped the most in response to stress tended to have proportionally more waistline fat - even if they had a healthy weight. A greater proportion of fat at the waist was related to increased levels of ongoing stress related to work or finances, or lower levels of self-esteem. This waistline fat that gives people an apple shape poses the greatest health risks.

Instead of trying another "pill" to solve your weight problem, consider alternatives. Kelly Brownell, Ph.D., of Yale University, proposes a two-pronged approach: He suggests that by making life changes such as scaling back commitments, learning better time management, or becoming more assertive, we can reduce our stress. Exercise, meditation and yoga can then be used to cope with the remaining stress that we can't eliminate. Another way to counteract stress is to change our psychological response. Part of what makes challenging situations stressful is a feeling of hopelessness. If we explore different options for a situation, we may empower ourselves to overcome this feeling. For instance, if you tend to overeat when stressed, develop a list of non-food ways to handle the pressure. Learning to wait out the urge to eat -- usually just 10 to 15 minutes -- can also be a simple psychological change that makes a significant difference.