Nootropics

In our fast-paced world, we all want to be on top of our mental game. Since the movie Limitless, “smart drugs”, otherwise known as nootropics, have gained significant attention for their potential to enhance brain function and improve various cognitive abilities.

Nootropics are substances that aim to make your brain work better without causing major side effects. They can be natural compounds, dietary supplements, or man-made drugs.

Nootropics work in different ways to enhance brain function. They can increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, improve brain cell energy, boost blood flow to the brain, or even help the brain adapt and change more easily. The exact mechanisms can vary depending on the specific compound, but some common actions include:

1. Boosting brain chemicals: Some nootropics, like piracetam, increase the activity of a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which is important for memory and learning.

2. Energizing brain cells: Substances like citicoline and alpha-GPC help brain cells produce more energy, which can improve overall brain function.

3. Enhancing brain flexibility: Certain nootropics, such as Lion's Mane mushroom and Bacopa monnieri, may help create new brain cells and connections, making it easier to learn and remember things.

4. Influencing brain waves: Nootropics like L-theanine can increase a brain wave pattern called alpha waves, which are associated with relaxation and focused attention.

According to neurologist Dr. David Knott, "Scientific evidence suggests that certain nootropics can enhance cognitive performance, particularly in areas like memory, attention, and executive function." That's pretty exciting!

Dr. Rhonda Patrick, a biomedical scientist, suggests that some specific compounds found in things like turmeric and red wine, such as curcumin and resveratrol, could help protect our brains from inflammation and oxidative stress, which is good news for cognitive health.

Below are different types of Nootropics and their uses:

1. Racetams: Piracetam, Aniracetam, and Oxiracetam are commonly used racetams. They are believed to improve memory, focus, and learning capacity.

2. Cholinergics: Choline and its derivatives, including Citicoline and Alpha-GPC, enhance acetylcholine levels, promoting memory formation and overall cognitive function.

3. Adaptogens: Adaptogenic herbs like Rhodiola rosea and Ashwagandha help reduce stress, increase mental resilience, and improve mood.

4. Herbal nootropics: Gingko biloba, Bacopa monnieri, and Lion's Mane mushroom are natural substances known to support memory, focus, and brain health.

5. Stimulants: Modafinil and caffeine are stimulants that can enhance alertness, concentration, and wakefulness. However, they should be used with caution and under medical supervision.

To summarize, nootropics have the potential to enhance our cognitive abilities and mental well-being. While the science is still evolving, they're gaining popularity for their ability to improve memory, attention, and overall brain function. However, it's important to approach them with caution, listen to your body, and consult experts when needed.

As research continues, we'll gain a better understanding of their benefits, safety, and long-term effects. So, stay curious, stay informed, and remember that what works for one person may not work the same for another. Keep exploring, and find what works best for you and your brain.

Meal Prepping

Life can get incredibly hectic, and sometimes it feels like there's just no time left to focus on eating healthy. But fear not! In this edition PHIT Eats, we're diving into the world of meal prepping and planning meals ahead of time. With these strategies, you can maintain a healthy diet even with a jam-packed schedule. Let's get started!

1. Plan Your Meals

The first step to successful meal prepping is to plan your meals in advance. Take a few minutes each week to create a meal plan. Decide on the number of meals you'll prep, whether it's for a few days or the entire week. Consider your dietary needs and preferences, and choose a variety of recipes to keep things interesting.

2. Batch Cooking

Batch cooking is a time-saving technique that involves preparing larger quantities of food in advance. Cook a large batch of your favorite healthy recipes, such as soups, stews, grains, or roasted vegetables. Divide the food into individual portions and store them in meal-sized containers. This way, you'll have ready-to-eat meals throughout the week, saving you precious time and ensuring you stick to your healthy eating goals.

3. Invest in Quality Containers

Investing in good-quality food containers is essential for successful meal prepping. Look for containers that are microwave-safe, leak-proof, and stackable. Choose different sizes to accommodate various portion sizes and consider using compartments to keep different food items separate. This will help you stay organized and make grabbing a prepped meal quick and easy.

4. Pre-Cut and Wash Produce

One of the biggest time-consuming tasks in meal preparation is washing and chopping fruits and vegetables. Save time by pre-washing and pre-cutting your produce as soon as you bring it home from the grocery store. Store them in airtight containers or resealable bags, making it convenient to grab a handful of prepped veggies for snacks or use them in recipes throughout the week.

5. Keep Staple Ingredients on Hand

Stock your pantry with staple ingredients that can be used in a variety of recipes. Items like whole grains, canned beans, nuts, seeds, and spices are versatile and can form the base of many nutritious meals. Having these staples readily available will simplify your m process and provide you with a solid foundation for creating delicious and healthy dishes.

6. Utilize Freezer Meals

Don't forget about the power of your freezer! Certain meals, such as casseroles, stir-fries, and soups, can be prepared in larger batches and frozen for future use. Portion them into individual containers or freezer bags, label them with the name and date, and store them in your freezer. This way, you'll always have a healthy meal option on hand, even during your busiest days.

7. Prep Breakfast and Snacks

Meal prepping isn't limited to just lunch and dinner. Prepare breakfasts and snacks in advance to ensure you start your day off right and have healthy options throughout the day. Overnight oats, chia seed puddings, and homemade granola bars are perfect make-ahead breakfasts, while pre-cut fruits, portioned nuts, and yogurt cups make for convenient, grab-and-go snacks.

8. Stay Organized and Flexible

Maintaining a healthy diet while managing a busy schedule requires organization and flexibility. Set aside a specific day or time each week for meal prepping, and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine. Keep your meal plan visible, whether it's on your fridge or a digital calendar, and use it as a guide throughout the week. Adjust as needed to accommodate unexpected changes or spontaneous cravings.

Remember, meal prepping is a personal journey, and it may take a few tries to find a routine that works best for you. But with a little practice and perseverance, you'll soon be mastering the art of meal prepping and enjoying the benefits of a healthy, stress-free eating experience.

2023 US Open

Mark your calendars for June 15th to 18th, 2023, as the US Open returns to Los Angeles after 75 years. This year’s venue will be played at the famed Los Angeles Country Club. Often referred to as LACC, the prestigious golf club is renowned for its rich history and impeccable course design.

LACC was founded in 1897 and has since become a cornerstone of the golfing community in Southern California. Its original location was in the Pico-Union district, Southwest of Los Angeles, but it moved to its current site in the affluent neighborhood of Beverly Hills in 1911.

According to Fox Sports, below are the betting odds for the US Open:

Scottie Scheffler +650
Jon Rahm +900
Brooks Koepka +1000
Rory McIlroy +1200
Patrick Cantlay +1400
Viktor Hovland +1600
Xander Schauffele +1800
Jordan Spieth +2400
Max Homa +2900
Cameron Smith +3000

Fans can expect nail-biting moments as the world's best golfers navigate the demanding fairways and greens. The US Open is known for its unforgiving setup, testing the skills and resilience of the players to the fullest. It's a true showcase of talent, strategy, and mental fortitude.

Fore!

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

In the film "Field of Dreams," what phrase does Kevin Costner's character hear repeatedly? "If you build it, he will come."

"Field of Dreams" is a heartwarming film released in 1989, directed by Phil Alden Robinson. The movie stars Kevin Costner as Ray Kinsella, an Iowa farmer who hears a mysterious voice whispering, "If you build it, he will come." Intrigued and compelled by the message, Ray decides to follow the voice and plows his cornfield to build a baseball diamond. As he completes the construction, legendary deceased baseball players, including Shoeless Joe Jackson (played by the late great Ray Liotta), emerge from the cornfield to play the sport they love.

Trivia Time

Who holds the record for the most US Open victories in PGA?

Stay tuned next week for the answer.