Omega 3 boost - Iskiate

 Over a decade ago, my son-in law Matt asked where he could find chia seeds, as he wanted to make a traditional drink for boasting energy, Chia Fresca or Iskiate!

• 1 cup water
  
• 1 T whole chia seeds
• 1-2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp maple syrup (or honey, etc)

Mix together & let sit 20-30 minutes. You can experiment with the liquid; coconut milk, sun tea, water kefir . . . Here's a video of the process.

Iskiate and Wind Rider

I like to add 1/2 tsp of mixed sea salt and cream of tartar (which is high in potassium and comes from grapes), for an inexpensive and easy electrolyte recharge. And yes, Chia seeds are gluten free! And grade B (less refined!) Maple syrup is a lovely sweetener. 

This drink became popular amongst runners after the publication of Born To Run, about the Tarahumara Indians 'a Meixcan group of super-athletes,' who cover great distances running barefoot, and drink Iskiate. 

Like flax, Chia seeds are high-fiber, omega-3, high-protein, antioxidant and vitamin rich, & have anti-diabetic properties. Omega 3 fats support the recovery & regrowth (re-myelination) of Myelin, the 'white matter' of the brain, and the insulation that surrounds the brain & nerve axions. (The mineral lithium supports growth of grey matter! 5-25 mg are common supplemental doses)

Around the time I was learning about Iskiate, I was invited to a talk on keeping our brains healthy as we age, by Roger Anunsen, whom I'd heard soak the year prior. He gave an overview of 'what's new' plus a refresher on his earlier presentation. The 'cogwheels' that support brain health are:

• Pysical exercise
• Mental exercise
• Socialization
  
• Stress Management
• Nutrition & healthy diet (inc. plenty of antioxidents & Omega-3 fats)
  
• Adequate sleep, including naps (ideal naps are: 23 min, 45 min, 0r 90 minutes)
  

I was tickled that dance provides the first 4, as that's one of my favorite ways to convince movement, mental stimulation & social activity! Roger commented that some 'stress' is good - & encourages taking on the challange of learning something new fairly regularly.

Locally grown Winter Solstice meal

Antioxidents are abundant in fresh, colorful food - especially fruit and vegetables. This is a place having a garden (even a windobox of herbs!) and buying locally grown, ideally organic produce shines! Most food - much of which could be grown locally, is shipped thousands of miles, and comes from an ever smaller selection of varieties. 

And - most of us get 1/4 - 1/2 our calories from three grains and one bean (rice, wheat, maize plus soy), which are 'grown in ever-expanding monoculture powered by bad anointed of fuel, fertilizer and pesticide, resulting in enormous emissions of greenhouse gases.' (Forward to Edible - 70 sustainable crops that are changing how we eat - order from your local bookstore!)

What are some of your favorite ways to boost your energy and feed your brain?

Do you have good sources of local food?

Do you take naps? (I do! Not daily, but when one calls@)