Dr. Annie Fenn is the founder of The Brain Health Kitchen, the only cooking school of its kind focused exclusively on brain health and helping people prevent cognitive decline through food and lifestyle. In Episode 107, Annie joins me from her home in Jackson, Wyoming to talk brain health, and what you can do right now — regardless of your age — to lessen cognitive decline as you age. Even small changes made right now can decrease your chances of developing Alzheimer’s and related dementia by as much as 53 percent.
Annie comes to this work from an interesting perspective. After 20 years as a board certified OB/GYN, she traded in her stethoscope for an apron to pursue her passion for the culinary arts. But it was her mother’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s that helped Annie find her path and her new calling, one that enabled her to not only fulfill a new creative pursuit, but to create significant and meaningful impact for others.
A few important takeaways from this episode:
- The 5 areas that most impact cognitive decline – note: one is lifelong learning;
- The MIND diet food groups on which Annie’s approach is largely based and the five food groups;
- The potential link between the 5 areas and menopausal symptoms;
- Healthy substitutions for your favorite recipes;
- Summer grilling tips;
- and much more!
There is so much great information in this episode! And while Annie’s tips for eating healthier and incorporating some potentially new foods into your regular diet is powerful stuff, I think you will also love her perspective on personal and professional evolution, including why “retired” should really be on the banned word list!
In addition to Annie’s work at The Brain Health Kitchen, she also travels around the country — including to the famed Rancho La Puerta — to share her methods and to teach others about the brain health food connection.
Check out Annie’s work, and that terrific brownie recipe cut short due to a brief power outage, below:
Tahini Swirl Brownie Bite Recipe
What to eat to fend off Alzheimers
And, be sure to follow Annie on Instagram @BrainHealthKitchen
If you are enjoying She Said/She Said— and I hope that you are — please let me know. Send message me via the website link, connect with me on Instagram @lauracoxkaplan or @sheSaidSheSaidPodcast, or email me directly at Laura@lauracoxkaplan.net Can’t wait to hear from you!
Be safe and take care!
[PHOTO: the “superberry!”]