Unchain Your Brain

Winter doldrums can numb your brain, make it perform as if chained. Buds opening into new, oxygen-producing leaves help to unchain it. It’s invigorating to get outdoors and breathe early-spring air, especially when the sun shines. So does giving your brain the fuel it needs. Choline is a prime nourisher of neurotransmitters.

Cut out the list below and tape it to your refrigerator. Try to include at least one item from the list in every meal. You’ll find that solving problems gets easier. Some ways to add choline are to sprinkle sliced almonds or pine nuts over every salad.

Best Foods for Brain-Boosting Choline
Almonds
Artichokes, fresh or bottled
Beef, lean
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Eggs, whole
Fish: Cod, Salmon
Liver: beef, chicken, or turkey
Nuts: Hazel, Macadamia, Walnuts
Oat Bran
Peanut Butter
Pie Nuts
Pork
Shrimp
Tomato paste
Wheat Bran
Wheat Germ, toasted

Also High in Choline
Blueberries
Cauliflower
Celery
Chicken
Coffee
Fava Beans
Grape juice
Lettuce
Oranges
Sokybeans

If allergic to gluten, you will, of course, omit the wheat products.

One of more of my readers read ‘liver’ and said, "Yuck!" Try it my gourmet way. You’ll like it. Liver is also a great source of iron and of Vitamin B12.

GOURMET BEEF LIVER: Lay liver slices out on a clean flat surface. Sprinkle with milk or lemon juice. Let rest a few minutes. Turn. Sprinkle other side with milk or lemon juice. Dredge lightly with salt and pepper. Fry briefly in butter. As soon as one sides brown, turn and brown the other side. The meat should remain pink in the center.

GOURMET CHICKEN LIVER: Sort livers, discovering any pale ones, or ones with light spots. They came from sick chickens. Cut each into bite sizes. Dredge in flour, salt, and pepper. Brown in butter or olive oil. Good with orange slices.