Hi Reader,

How many balls have you dropped this week?

"Ugh, last week was rough," Jenn said as she came into our session.

"What happened?" I asked

"I dropped SO many balls, including forgetting to pick up my daughter after scouts. She looked so sad when I drove up in front of the concrete steps at her school."

"After I apologized, and we got ice cream, all was well. Later that night, I had an aha moment."

"Say more!" I said

"I realized that the stress of trying not to drop balls isn't worth it. I will probably always drop balls at this stage in my life. But, I'll do my best to only drop rubber balls instead of glass ones."

"You mean a rubber ball like forgetting cheese for dinner at the grocery store vs a glass ball like forgetting your daughter after scouts?"

"Exactly!"

I love this upgraded version of dropping balls. It's more realistic for our perimenopausal brains.

The brain fog can be so dense - dense enough that you don't even know you're in brain fog at times.

Like this morning.

I drained the beans I soaked overnight, added new water to the crockpot, and turned the cook dial to high.

Six hours later, when I thought the beans would be done so I could make hummus for lunch, I discovered I forgot to plug in the crockpot!

Have you felt more brain fog since you turned 40?

Do you forget little things like where you left your keys or your phone, walk into a room and can't remember why, lose your train of thought mid-sentence, or have trouble remembering names?

Recent research shows about 60% of women in perimenopause and menopause struggle with brain fog.

Does this mean you're on your way to early-onset dementia?

Not necessarily. According to research by Dr. Lisa Mosconi, Ph.D., author of Menopause Brain, most women recover cognitive function post-menopause.

​Read this blog post for 7 strategies to reduce brain fog, including...

• Beat brain fog with movement
• Eat brain-boosting foods (see recipe below!)
• Give your brain a workout
• Get better sleep
• Stress less and breathe deeper
• Create meaningful connections
• Be proactive with health check-ups (especially if dementia runs in your family!)
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Bonus! RECIPE SHARE

Here's a twist on a meal idea I learned from The Bike Guy. He first had a "super burrito" back in high school when he and his buddies would ride bikes to Wallowa Lake for a cool swim, then grab a super burrito with a chocolate banana milkshake before riding back to town.

It's loaded with brain-healthy ingredients like beans, roasted veggies, whole grains, and fermented foods. ​
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Easy Sheet Pan Super Burritos with Tofu and Black Beans

Serves 6, based on a recipe from the Half Baked Harvest recipe blog

1 package of extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed to release water, cut into ½ inch cubes

3 TBSP olive oil

3 cloves garlic, chopped

3 TBSP taco seasoning (low sodium if possible)

1 yellow onion, sliced

2 bell peppers, sliced

1 poblano pepper, sliced

8-10 whole wheat tortillas, warmed

1 package of cabbage slaw

1 avocado, soft-ish

1 lime, juiced

½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Yogurt Dressing

¾ cup plain Greek yogurt

¾ cup salsa verde

1-3 Tbsp pickled or fermented jalapenos, chopped

½ cup cilantro, chopped

¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
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Preheat oven to 425°F

On a baking sheet, toss the cubes of tofu with olive oil, garlic, and taco seasoning. Add the bell peppers, poblano pepper, and onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Arrange tofu and vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tofu is browned and the peppers are beginning to char.

While the tofu and vegetables are roasting, combine cabbage slaw, avocado chunks, lime juice, and chopped cilantro in a medium-sized bowl.

Next, make the yogurt dressing by combining the dressing ingredients in another medium bowl.

When the tofu and vegetables are done, stuff about ⅔ cup of tofu and vegetables into a warm tortilla. Repeat with a second tortilla. Fold the tortillas and lightly press them closed.

On a plate, put two filled tortillas "back to back", folded edge to folded edge. Top with cabbage slaw and yogurt dressing. The salad and yogurt dressing are what make this a super burrito!

Enjoy leftovers for quick, easy lunches. Keep the burritos, slaw, and yogurt dressing separate until you're ready to eat them.​
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What's your funniest brain fog moment, Reader?

Hit reply! I'd love to hear Jenn and I aren't alone 🙂
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Have a great weekend savoring food and your body!

Amanda

PS: Recent research shows about 60% of women in perimenopause and menopause struggle with brain fog. Does this mean you're on your way to early-onset dementia? Not necessarily. According to research by Dr. Lisa Mosconi, Ph.D., most women recover cognitive function post-menopause. But if you have a family history of dementia, it's a good idea to get yourself checked out. Read this blog post for 7 strategies to reduce brain fog.