We’ve all heard the phrase “you are what you eat.” Loosely translated, you should eat foods that are good for you in order to remain fit and healthy.
That’s the subject of an upcoming online presentation by the Alzheimer’s Association North Central Texas chapter and Texas A&M Agrilife Extension on Thursday, January 28: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body.
“This will be a fun and informative event,” says Melissa Griffin, Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association North Central Texas Chapter. “Participants will not only learn the importance of self-care as a person ages, but will also learn strategies to help with aging well in the areas of cognitive activity, physical health and exercise, diet and nutrition, and social engagement.”
For many people, diet, nutrition and social engagement are tied together, with many happy memories of time spent in the kitchen with family and friends. Andrea Brooks is the Erath County Extension Agent for Texas A&M Agrilife Extension and will be demonstrating hands-on cooking in the program.
“This is my fifth year doing this job, and the past two years have been spent with everyone in Erath County,” says Brooks. “In my work I concentrate on family and community health and nutrition, exercise, and healthy aging, anything that benefits the family and community.”
Andrea’s live cooking demonstration will take place in her kitchen at home.
“It’s not as fancy as Rachel Ray’s kitchen,” she said with a laugh. “We’ll be focusing on Mediterranean dishes, and the benefit of the Mediterranean diet. It’s simple, has few ingredients, and it supports brain health. For instance, healthy eating helps keep our arteries clear, allowing blood flow.”
Griffin agrees. “Brain health goes hand in hand with a healthy diet. It’s a very necessary tool in developing a plan for healthy aging.”
Brooks has seen first hand how diet effects people. “Before COVID, we were very active at our senior centers for cooking programs,” she says. “Nutrition plays a very important role in brain health. It’s as simple as you eat better, you feel better.”
As a child, Brooks saw her grandmother develop and progress through Alzheimer’s disease. “I was only about 8 or 9 years old, but I remember watching the progression from someone who was vibrant and sharp into a decline,” she recalls. “I think Alzheimer’s education is so important because we didn’t really understand a lot at the time so this is a much needed subject area.”
Brooks healthy eating doesn’t stop at work. “My son, he’s seven years old,” she says. “He’s hitting the age where he wants to pick things on his own, and it’s not necessarily what I’d approve of.” A treat is allowed now and again, but not a steady diet of them. “Mom is nutritional, so son is nutritional,” laughs Brooks. “It’s easy, and here’s one of my favorite recipes to get you started.”
Orzo Garlic Chicken
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
2 (8 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
1/4 cup reduced fat, grated Parmesan cheese for topping
1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add orzo pasta, cook from 8-10 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
2. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the garlic and red pepper 1 minutes, until garlic is golden brown.
3. Stir in chicken and cook 2 to 5 minutes, until lightly browned and juices run clear.
4. Reduce heat to medium, and mix in the parsley and cooked orzo.
5. Place spinach in the skillet. Continue cooking 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until spinach is wilted.
6. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.
Makes 4 Nutrients per serving (150 mg) Calories per serving 320, 11g Total Fat, 2.5g Saturated Fat, 0g Trans Fat, 85 mg Cholesterol, 150 mg sodium, 23g Total Carbohydrates, 1g Dietary Fiber, 1g Total sugars, 31g Protein
The virtual presentation Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body is Thursday, January 28 from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. It’s free to attend, though registration is preferred at tinyurl.com/ HealthyCookingJan28 or by calling 800-272-3900.
Cooking, or any activity really, can be a great way to fundraise for the Alzheimer’s Association. Whether you prefer to cook or to bake, you can bring out the famous family recipes on The Longest Day. Make one of Brooks’ recipes or grandma’s cookies for the family or office — in exchange for a donation. Register for The Longest Day, a DIY fundraiser and learn more at alz.org/thelongestday.
For more healthy living recipes, visit erath.agrilife.org
For Alzheimer’s information, visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.