Maybe it's my age, maybe it's the earlier and earlier onset of dementia and Alzheimer's that's showing up everywhere we look, but I'm intensely interested in how we can keep our brain healthy and functioning well.

And while the incidence creeps up earlier and is on the increase, the good news is that much, if not most of this can be prevented by lifestyle choices--dietary choices especially. Research all over the place agrees: sound eating habits provide a strong foundation for optimal brain chemistry. Don't you love that news? We can't do anything about our gene pools, but we can sure do a ton about what we put in our mouths!

Here's the dietary habits researchers and experts suggest we form to protect brain health:

• Eat a little protein at each meal to stabilize blood sugar and protect from mood swings.
• Eat a variety of high-fiber non-starchy vegetables.
  • Dark leafy greens
  • Cucumbers
  • Peppers
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Green beans
  • Kale
  • Leeks
  • Berries
  • Melons
  • Apples
  • Kiwi
• Eat wild, Alaskan or Sockeye salmon (high in omega-3s).
• Cook with cold-pressed olive and macadamia nut oils (rich in oleic acid, a powerful anti-inflammatory).
• Drink lots of water.
• AVOID (like the plague) soft drinks--even diet soda.
• Exercise daily (not new news-but always bears repeating); something as simple as a 20 to 30 minute walk everyday benefits every part of the body, but especially the brain: it LOVES oxygen, which is what any exercise provides in abundance.

Notice how this list is so doable? There's nothing extreme or expensive recommended. Who knew it isn't that difficult to nourish and protect the brain?

Now my suggestion: Consider copying this short list of TO-DOs and post it where you'll see it. I keep mine on my fridge door to remind me to eat what I've filled the fridge with! I use this list to create my weekly menus as well. Old habits do die hard, but having this list always in front of me has helped me break habits and form some new ones. If I can keep my brain healthy by eating the right things, I'm doin' it! Join me, won't you?