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The Brain PodcastAuthor: Dr. Shabnam Das Kar MD and Andrea Spyros
In the Brain podcast, we blend medical insights with behavior design principles to empower you in creating brain healthy habits. We aim to demystify brain health, enhance focus, and reduce the risk of dementia. Join us as we unlock the secrets of the brain, all backed by science and fueled by behaviour design. Language: en-ca Genres: Education, Health & Fitness, How To, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Blue Zones for Brain Health: What to Keep, What to Question
Thursday, 8 January, 2026
Blue Zones are fascinating, but they are not a prescription. We explain what the data can (and cannot) prove, then turn a few key principles into practical brain-health strategies—satiety, food choices, alcohol clarity, and Singapore’s lesson: environment beats willpower. In this episode, we unpack: What Blue Zones are, why they became popular, and why observational data is not the same as proof. The nine Blue Zones principles—and which ones matter most for brain health in real life. The 80% rule (Hara Hachi Bu): why it is hard to measure, and how to build awareness without shame. Practical behaviour design for food choices (including the bread basket problem and reducing mindless snacking). “Set up, skill up, speak up”: using environment, skills, and family conversations instead of willpower. Plant-forward eating without making animal foods “good” or “bad,” plus shortcuts that support follow-through. “Wine at five”: what we disagree with, what the evidence suggests, and why timing and context matters. Singapore as a modern Blue Zone example—and what it teaches us about making healthy choices easier by design. TIMESTAMPS 00:00: Blue Zones Explained for Better Brain Health 03:58: Blue Zones principles and practical 80% full tips 09:08: Design Your Eating Environment to Stop at Comfortable Fullness 12:12: Natural Movement, 80% Fullness, and Compassionate Eating 15:19: How to reduce snacking 19:05: Set Up for Success 20:06: Set Up, Skill Up, Speak Up 22:29: Tiny Habits 22:57: Family Support for Health and a Plant-Slant Food Style 24:08: Blue Zones food style 25:08: Tiny Habits for Easier Meals and Better Food Choices 29:52: Tiny Habits for Easier Food Choices 30:45: Quick dinner solutions and what is true about "wine at five" 37:33: Make Healthy Choices Easier 41:20: Blue Zones Recap LISTEN KEY TAKEAWAYS What “Blue Zones” Means Journalist Dan Buettner mapped places with unusually high numbers of people living past 100. Locations: Icaria (Greece), Sardinia (Italy), Loma Linda (California), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Okinawa (Japan), and Singapore (added 2023) The findings are observational (patterns noticed), not proof of cause and effect. The 9 Blue Zones Principles Move naturally Downshift (reduce stress) Belonging (faith or community) Right tribe (supportive friends) Loved ones first 80% rule (stop eating when lightly full) Plant slant (more vegetables) Wine at five Know your purpose 80% Rule (Hara Hachi Bu) Aim to stop eating when you feel slightly full. Eat protein first; it helps you feel satisfied longer than carbs. At restaurants: say “no, thank you” to the bread basket or keep it off the table. After each meal: ask, “How full am I?” and give yourself a simple rating. Skip shame. If you eat past 80%, notice it and learn; do not judge. If you snack, ask, “Why am I eating?” (bored, stressed, hungry or habit) and adjust. Design Your Environment (Set up, Skill up, Speak up) Set up: keep tempting foods out of the house; stock foods that fit your plan. Skill up: learn 1–2 fast recipes; repeat them until easy (sheet pan, slow cooker)....
