How to use the posts?

Here are some tips to help you use the posts and cook.

The Posts

• Nutrients: I will post recipes noting what nutrient they are high in, e.g. vitamin E. 
• The "Symptom Nutrient" post lists which nutrients help with which symptom(s), e.g. insomnia - vitamin B6. 
• The "Nutrient Food" post for the foods high in that nutrient, e.g. Vitamin B6 - yellowfin tuna. 
• To find a recipe for your symptom search for the nutrient. 

• Difficulty: Dishes are categorised into: compile, simple, some work, challenge and complex.   

• Dietary requirements: Posts will include the categories: meat, vegetarian, fish, sweets, gluten free and dairy free. 

Cooking

• Pick your nutrient, any dietary requirements & level of difficulty. 
• Prepare a shopping list of what you need - look in your cupboards & the ingredients list. 
• Prepare the ingredients before you do any cooking. Organise them into measured piles so you can clearly see all the ingredients. Check the ingredients list & your piles several times to make sure that you got them all. It will help you see if you forgot to put something in. 
• Make sure that you have enough time and feel awake enough to be safe. 
• Take your time & don't put yourself under any pressure; it'll be ready when it's ready.
• Take breaks throughout when you need to. Turn off the stove to prevent burning it or a fire. 
• Be safe - check the gas, the oven, wear BIG oven gloves & use oven proof dishes. 
• Be mindful whilst you cook - it is your only focus & all else can fade away!

Welcome! Why use this blog?

Welcome to Nid's Noggin Fix. Let's not beat around the bush, what's the point in reading this blog, i.e. how can this blog help you?

About me
I suffered post-concussion syndrome after a fall.  During my recovery process I found cooking a challenge on many levels, but rewarding too.  I'm not a chef and didn't really like cooking before my accident, so I have learnt quite a lot from this exercise. I wanted to share some of what I have learnt to help those recovering from other mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI).  

Why read my posts?
Pros of cooking when you've got a mild TBI:

• Following a recipe requires you to concentrate, follow instructions, remember what you have done, avoid dangers, manage your time and organise yourself.
• You have something healthy to eat at the end of it!
• It gives you a sense of achievement in your day. 
• You need to make a shopping list, i.e. organisation. 
• Going shopping - find quieter shops or times of day to go. Focus on just what you have to get and don't look around at 'deals' being advertised. Buy only what is on your list!
• Eating these recipes will give you a diet high in nutrients for your brain's health. 
• You can take on more complex recipes as you build confidence challenging your cognitive skills. 
• It can help your motivation to cook one meal. 
• Make it social and cook for your friends. 
• Other cognitive issues can be challenged such as brain flexibility where your attention is distracted by another person and you have to return to the task. Decision making on alternative foods and motivation to get the meal made are additional benefits. 

Cons:

• Going shopping - this is a hazard for many with a mild TBI with lights, sounds, information overload, people to avoid and interact with. Don't get distracted by the information overload, this is all about focus and being mindful during the task at hand. 
• Hazards such as ovens and gas stoves for burns. Buy some forearm length oven gloves! Move slowly and mindfully, check & re-check several times that you have turned off the gas.
• The dish goes wrong - I've had soup without stock, chocolate cake without chocolate and a squash bake that I forgot to set, so I ate squash sludge. You have to laugh and enjoy the unusual taste!

I'd love to hear any comments or feedback on how I can help you follow the recipes or suggestions of how to vary any recipes. 

Take care and enjoy!