brain·storm/ˈbrānˌstôrm/
noun
1. a spontaneous group discussion to produce ideas and ways of solving problems.
verb
1. produce an idea or way of solving a problem by holding a spontaneous group discussion.
Brainstorming
1. a group or individual creativity technique by which efforts are made to find a conclusion for a specific problem by gathering a list of ideas spontaneously contributed by its member(s).
About:
“Daily Brainstorms” comes from my personal journey through life. From beginning my career as a professional BMX athlete to being diagnosed, treated and recovering from 3 brain tumors as I entered my twenties. I became a certified holistic health coach on my never ending quest to find the perfect way of eating for my body–and my brain. While on this journey I have learned a lot and have gained a passion for sharing what I have learned with others. This website is my way of sharing that information with you to improve the health, functionality, protection, and longevity of your brain and overall health.
Here you may find my perspectives on life and experiences I encounter, recipes, tips, and specific information regarding nutrients and their dietary sources, health concerns, and more. We all possess a brainstorm to some degree, constantly processing about 50,000- 70,000 thoughts per day. The vast majority of information out there regarding nutrition and health can be very overwhelming and make our heads spin. The goal of this website is to not only clear up the confusion but to also free your mind of old myths, misconceptions, and ways of eating and living.
You may see posts involving BMX bicycle riding and wonder, “what does this have to do with nutrition, the brain, and of all things….health”? Well, BMX has played one of the biggest roles in my life over the past 15 years, leading me to where I am today. BMX has involved more than half my life- as of the birth of this website- and if it wasn’t for that bicycle of mine, I truly believe I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I wouldn’t have had the physical and mental courage or strength to overcome the multiple brain tumors, wouldn’t have found my new love and passion for nutrition, and you wouldn’t be here reading this and wondering what kind of story and information this website contains that may sway you away from eating what we think is “food” but is really harming us.
If you’re skeptical, you should be. Who am I to tell you what’s “right” or “wrong” or how to live your life? I don’t think there are right or wrong foods to eat, that all depends on you and your goals. I certainly think there are foods that are healthier than others, though. All I am offering are new ways of thinking about your relationship with food and physical activity, and how it impacts your health. I supply all my information from credible and open-minded doctors, nutritionists, food activists, and dietitians, as well as my own personal experience and stories.
Before I was diagnosed, I was the dude saying, “I am in shape, active, young, and healthy. I can eat/ drink whatever I want as long as I ride my bike every day and don’t get fat”. I learned the hard way that our physical appearance doesn’t determine if we are healthy or not. What we decide to put in our mouths and what’s going on inside our body and minds are what determine or health’s future or, lack thereof. We may think we are healthy now but that doesn’t mean we can do what we want forever with no consequences.
We live in a society that tends to think our genes are our destiny, we’re going to get a specific disease because “it runs in the family”, and we have no control over it. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Although some genes we have no control over (i.e. hair color, height, eye color, etc.), the other genes that are responsible for about 70% of disease in this country are in our control with each decision we make. These genes are either activated or suppressed based on our lifestyle habits. Despite our food pyramid being a guide to disease, there are people like myself out there that won’t accept that to be a reality and want to make and see a change in our country.
I hope you enjoy the information provided on this website and that you take away something valuable from my story and experiences. If there is any one thing I want you to take away from this site, it’s to foster a beginners mindset and to open up to new information, new foods, physical activity, and to make small alterations to old habits and routines. Some of the tips supporting the information provided can be life changing for you and your loved ones, as it has been for my family, my friends, and myself.
-Josh P.