Lifestyle Changes That Will Transform Your Mind, Boost Brain Health, and Secure Future Wealth

Welcome back, Skinny readers, to another thrilling episode of The Skinny Chef Weekly Blog! This week, we’re diving headfirst into an epic topic. Let’s be real—life’s pressures get to all of us! We all need to know when to step back, recharge, and not only care for our physical health but also for our brain health.

This week, I faced that decision head-on. After a long stretch without a break, I had to hit pause, realizing I was on the brink of burnout. Friends, it's crucial to take care of both your body and your brain! Staying mentally sharp, improving memory—these are essentials for excelling in my career and staying organized in life.

Now, let me ask you a few simple questions: Ever forget what was on your grocery list? Lost track of where you placed your car keys? Or—this one’s my favorite—forgot the name of someone you see every day at work? You’re not alone!

Memory loss is something many of us deal with, but it shouldn’t be brushed off. So, here are some tried-and-true tips to relieve those pressures and boost your memory:

Quality Time with Loved Ones

Spending time with someone special or with close friends can do wonders for your mental health. These interactions elevate our mood, ease depression, and help combat the daily anxieties of work. This connection brings you into a whole new mindset, almost like stepping into a blissful aura.

Stick to Your Routines

Whether you’re on a break or grinding through work, starting your day early can help keep you organized. Plan your day, tackle your appointments, and knock things off that to-do list. Want a quick mood-lifter? Declutter your space and play a feel-good song to shift your mind into a more peaceful, focused state.

SLEEP—It’s Golden!

Let’s be honest, a lot of us don’t know when to hit the brakes. We push ourselves to finish just one more task at home, thinking we can balance work and leisure. But many of us aren’t getting the 7-8 hours of sleep we need! And if you’re snoring, that might be a sign of sleep apnea—a serious disorder. So, let’s cherish our sleep and give our brains the recharge they deserve.

Exercise is Your Best Friend

You can’t run away from exercise! According to health experts, adults need at least 30-45 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per day. Not only does it lower stress, but it also improves brain health. A brisk walk around the office or after work can work wonders. Keeping your body moving releases those magical endorphins, which flood your brain with positive vibes and relax the body.

To be real with you, I’ve been dealing with some serious brain health challenges recently. I took on too much work, and it started to affect me. Thankfully, I’ve got an amazing partner who reminds me when I’m heading for burnout. Following these simple tips has not only sharpened my focus but also improved my overall well-being. And I’m beyond grateful to my new clients for supporting my private chef experiences—I love creating mouthwatering meals for all of you!

And now, to wrap things up, here’s a delicious treat from my book: the Ox Liver Dish—a true superfood! You’ve got to try it!

Remember, the Skinny Chef needs your support! Grab a copy of my book, leave a comment, and let’s keep this conversation going.

Pan-Seared Ox Liver and Onions with Polenta

This dish reminds me of Grace, the aspiring young chef with sickle cell anaemia. Like

most people she hated liver at the time, but I was on a mission to prove to her that

this would be great addition to her diet.

Liver is one of the few foods that are worthy of the title ‘super food’. Liver has fallen

out of favour in recent years, but this powerhouse food is rich in protein, low in calories,

and filled with essential vitamins and minerals. Liver is affordable and is easily

found in any local supermarket. In this recipe the liver is paired with kale, polenta

and onions. Kale, which is part of the cabbage family, is low in calorie content, contains

omega-3 fatty acids, and is high in antioxidants, iron and magnesium. Polenta,

which is a grain made from yellow corn, contains some carbohydrates; while it is not

ideal for those on low-carb diets, it does contain iron, protein and fibre.

Ingredients

• 650g ox liver

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced into rings

• 100g kale, washed and sliced

• 200g instant polenta

• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, picked

• 2 garlic cloves

• 1 teaspoon beef stock granules diluted in 1 cup of boiling water

• Serves 4

Method

1. Start by prepping the polenta. Place a medium-sized pot on the stove, add 200ml water, and add the can of coconut milk with some salt and pepper. Bring the pot to the boil on a medium heat.

2. Once the coconut milk and water mixture has come to the boil, add the polenta while stirring with a whisk. Reduce heat and let it cook out for 10 minutes if using instant polenta. If using raw polenta, let it cook for 40 to 45 minutes on low heat, with a lid on the pot, and keep stirring occasionally. Set polenta aside.

3. Place a medium-sized saucepan onto the stove on a medium heat, add some of the olive oil, and the garlic, fresh thyme and onions. Let the onions cook until soft and translucent, and set aside. Then, in the same pot, add a little more oil. Add the washed kale and seasoning. Cook for 10 minutes on a low heat. Add ¼ cup water if necessary.

4. On the stove, heat a medium-sized frying pan over a high heat, add olive oil, reduce heat to medium, and then pan-fry the sliced and seasoned ox liver for 5 minutes on each side. Finish off with 1 cup of diluted beef stock and let it cook for a further 5 minutes.

5. Serve the liver with polenta, kale, and onions and topped with a fresh sprig of thyme

Remember, the Skinny Chef needs your support! Grab a copy of my book 'The Skinny Chef Diaries', leave a comment, and let’s keep this conversation going. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay skinny ! Catch you next week, same time, same place!