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How To Optimize Your Brain Health With Your Morning Routine

By Lewis Howes

In this episode of The School of Greatness podcast, the discussion focuses on strategies for optimizing brain health through glucose management and morning routines. Jessie Inchauspé, the guest, shares practical tips for maintaining stable glucose levels throughout the day—from starting with a savory, protein-rich breakfast to incorporating vinegar and vegetables as "shields" against glucose spikes.

The conversation also explores the broader impacts of glucose fluctuations on inflammation, aging, hormone regulation, and cognitive function. Inchauspé emphasizes the importance of physical activity in directing glucose to muscles, underscoring the connection between exercise and glucose management. Overall, the episode provides actionable insights for promoting metabolic and mental well-being through dietary and lifestyle choices.

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How To Optimize Your Brain Health With Your Morning Routine

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How To Optimize Your Brain Health With Your Morning Routine

1-Page Summary

Strategies For Maintaining Healthy Glucose Levels

Savory Breakfasts Prevent Energy Crashes and Cravings

According to Jessie Inchauspé, a savory, protein-rich breakfast stabilizes glucose, preventing spikes and subsequent crashes that trigger cravings. She suggests options like leftover salmon cakes to feel energized throughout the day. Adding savory proteins to carb-heavy foods can also help "put clothing on your carbs" and moderate blood sugar.

Vinegar Reduces Glucose Spike 30% Before Carb-Heavy Meals

Inchauspé recommends consuming one tablespoon of vinegar in water before a carb-heavy meal. The acetic acid slows carbohydrate breakdown, reducing the post-meal glucose spike by 30%.

Starting Meals With Vegetables Creates a Fiber "Shield" That Slows Glucose Absorption

Beginning meals with vegetables creates a viscous fiber "shield" in the intestine that slows glucose entry into the bloodstream, blunting spikes after the meal.

Post-Meal 10-minute Activity Guides Glucose to Muscles

Inchauspé advises engaging in 10 minutes of activity after eating to direct glucose into working muscles rather than spiking blood sugar levels.

Glucose Regulation and Health Impacts

Glucose Fluctuations Cause Inflammation, Aging, and Sleep/Hormone Disruption

Frequent glucose spikes from sugar intake accelerate aging via glycation, potentially leading to prediabetes, dementia, sexual dysfunction, and skin issues like eczema. Late-night sugar causes hormonal disruptions that impair sleep.

Stable Glucose Levels Support Metabolic, Cognitive, and Physical Well-Being

Maintaining steady glucose avoids cravings, crashes, and stress while promoting youthfulness, hunger regulation, and hormonal balance, Inchauspé explains.

The Connection Between Physical Activity and Glucose Management

Post-Meal Exercise Directs Glucose to Muscles

Engaging muscles after a meal, even up to 90 minutes later, helps direct glucose to working cells rather than spiking blood levels, underscoring exercise's role in glucose regulation.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • Individual responses to dietary interventions can vary greatly, and what works for one person may not work for another due to differences in metabolism, genetics, and lifestyle.
  • Some studies suggest that the timing of protein intake may not be as crucial as the total daily protein intake for maintaining stable glucose levels and overall health.
  • The claim that vinegar reduces post-meal glucose spikes by 30% may not be consistent across all individuals or types of meals, and more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and the best dosage.
  • While starting meals with vegetables is generally healthy, the concept of a fiber "shield" is a simplification, and the impact on glucose absorption can vary depending on the type of fiber and other meal components.
  • The recommendation for post-meal activity is sound, but the specific duration and intensity of the activity that is most beneficial can vary, and some individuals may require different strategies for glucose management.
  • The link between sugar intake, aging, and health issues is complex and multifactorial; while reducing sugar intake is generally advisable, other factors such as overall diet quality, stress, and genetics also play significant roles.
  • The assertion that stable glucose levels support well-being is generally supported by evidence, but it's important to note that occasional fluctuations in glucose levels are normal and not inherently harmful.
  • The benefits of post-meal exercise for glucose management are supported by research, but the optimal timing and type of exercise may differ among individuals, and some may benefit from other forms of glucose regulation strategies.

Actionables

  • You can create a "veggie starter" habit by always keeping pre-cut vegetables in your fridge for easy access before meals. This ensures you begin with vegetables without the hassle of preparation at every meal, making it more likely you'll start with fiber-rich options.
  • Try a "10-minute post-meal challenge" where you set a timer for 10 minutes of physical activity after eating, such as walking or cleaning. This can be a fun way to integrate movement into your routine and may help with glucose management.
  • Experiment with a "protein-packed recipe swap" once a week, where you replace your usual breakfast with a new recipe that includes a high protein ingredient you haven't tried before. This could be a way to discover enjoyable breakfast options that keep your energy levels stable throughout the day.

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Strategies For Maintaining Healthy Glucose Levels

Jessie Inchauspé offers several strategies for keeping glucose levels stable, emphasizing the importance of meal composition and timing of certain activities.

Savory Breakfasts Prevent Energy Crashes and Cravings

Protein Breakfast Stabilizes Glucose and Prevents Sugar Highs and Lows

Inchauspé strongly advises against consuming sugar in the morning, suggesting that a savory breakfast can prevent the glucose spikes and subsequent crashes that lead to unwanted cravings. She emphasizes that a protein-rich breakfast helps in avoiding spikes and cravings that are often the result of a sweet breakfast like orange juice and granola. Inchauspé shares her own breakfast choice of leftover salmon cakes, green beans, rice, and Parmesan cheese as an example of a protein-centric meal that can benefit glucose levels.

Additionally, Inchauspé suggests adding Greek yogurt to chocolate cake or chicken, cheese, or vegetables to pasta as a way of "putting clothing on your carbs," inferring that adding savory protein sources to carbohydrate-rich foods can help stabilize blood sugar. She reinforces the idea that by treating breakfast like any other meal with savory foods, individuals can feel energized and in control throughout the day.

When feeling hungry for a snack, Inchauspé advises choosing savory options over sweet ones to maintain balanced glucose levels. Sweet snacks, especially on an empty stomach, can cause rapid glucose spikes and subsequent energy crashes, while savory snacks are less likely to disrupt blood sugar stability.

Vinegar Reduces Glucose Spike 30% Before Carb-Heavy Meals

Acetic Acid Slows Carbohydrate Breakdown for Gradual Nutrient Absorption

Inchauspé discusses the benefit of consuming vinegar, particularly one tablespoon in a big glass of water before a meal, to significantly reduce glucose spikes post-carbohydrate consumption. She highlights the efficacy of this method by noting a 30% reduction in glucose spikes. This effect is due to the acetic acid present in vinegar, which slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose molecules, leading to a more gradual absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. This strategy can be particularly helpful before eating snacks or meals prone to causing glucose spikes.

Starting Meals With Vegetables Crea ...

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Strategies For Maintaining Healthy Glucose Levels

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While savory breakfasts may help some individuals prevent energy crashes, others may find that a balanced breakfast with a combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats works better for their energy levels and satiety.
  • Some research suggests that including a small amount of sugar or carbohydrates in the morning can provide necessary energy for the day, especially for those who are physically active early in the day.
  • Not all protein-rich breakfasts may be suitable for everyone; individuals with certain dietary restrictions or preferences, such as vegans or those with kidney issues, may need to find alternative sources of protein or balance their nutrient intake differently.
  • The concept of "putting clothing on your carbs" oversimplifies the complex process of digestion and the role of various nutrients in blood sugar regulation.
  • The recommendation to consume vinegar before meals may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with acid reflux, gastritis, or other gastrointestinal issues.
  • The effectiveness of vinegar in reducing glucose spikes may vary from person to person, and relying solely on vinegar before carb-heavy meals may not be a comprehensive strategy for managing glucose levels.
  • While starting meals with vegetables is generally a healthy practice, it may not be practi ...

Actionables

  • You can create a weekly breakfast menu that pairs a protein with a non-starchy vegetable, like an omelet with spinach, to ensure you're starting your day with a savory, balanced meal. This approach helps you plan ahead and makes it easier to avoid reaching for sugary options in the morning rush.
  • Try infusing water with vinegar and herbs to sip before meals, which can be a refreshing way to incorporate acetic acid into your diet without the strong taste of vinegar alone. By doing this, you're proactively reducing potential glucose spikes in a flavorful way.
  • Set a reminder to do a quick burst of physical activi ...

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Glucose Regulation and Health Impacts

Jessie Inchauspé provides an in-depth look at how glucose regulation can have a profound impact on one's overall health and well-being.

Glucose Fluctuations Cause Inflammation, Aging, and Sleep/Hormone Disruption

Consuming sugar results in glucose spikes, leading to a cascade of negative health effects. Inchauspé explains that the more glucose spikes one experiences, the faster they age due to a process called glycation. This frequent spiking can cause "cooking" of the organs, much like browning, resulting in wrinkles on the skin and accelerated organ aging.

Frequent Sugar Intake Linked To Prediabetes, Dementia, and Sexual Dysfunction

Not only can frequent glucose spikes contribute to premature aging, but they can also cause concerning health issues like prediabetes and exacerbate conditions such as brain fog, psoriasis, and fertility problems. Symptoms of these glucose spikes manifest as sugar cravings, tiredness, mental slowness (or brain fog), disrupted sleep, and skin inflammation issues like acne, psoriasis, or eczema.

Eating sugary items like ice cream late at night leads to significant glucose elevations, increasing inflammation and disrupting sleep-regulating hormones, which compromises sleep quality. The effects may include feeling hungover, grogginess, and swelling of the hands or face the next morning.

Stable Glucose Levels Support Metabolic, Cognitive, and Physical Well-Being

Maintaining steady glucose levels is critical for avoiding the numerous adverse effects of sugar intake highs and lows.

Preventing Glucose Spikes Avoids Cravings, Energ ...

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Glucose Regulation and Health Impacts

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Clarifications

  • Glycation is a process where sugar molecules bind to proteins in the body, forming harmful compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs can damage tissues and organs, leading to accelerated aging and various health issues. This process can affect the skin, causing wrinkles, and impact organ function, sometimes likened to "cooking" due to the detrimental changes it induces.
  • The health issues linked to frequent sugar intake include prediabetes, dementia, brain fog, psoriasis, fertility problems, sugar cravings, tiredness, mental slowness, disrupted sleep, and skin inflammation like acne and eczema.
  • Glucose spikes can lead to brain fog, psoriasis, and fertility problems due to the inflammatory response triggered by rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels. This inflammation can affect various systems in the body, including the brain, skin, and reproductive organs, potentially leading to cognitive issues, skin conditions, and hormonal imbalances that impact fertility. The disruption caused by frequent spikes in glucose levels can manifest as symptoms like mental slowness, skin inflammation, and hormonal disturbances, contributing to brain fog, psoriasis flare-ups, and fertility challenges. Maintaining stable glucose levels is crucial to mitigate these effects and support overall health and well-being.
  • Eating sugary items late at night can lead to significant spikes in glucose levels, which can disrupt sleep-regulating hormones. This disruption compromises sleep quality and may result in symptoms like feeling hungover, grogginess, and facial swelling the next morning. The elevated glucose levels from lat ...

Counterarguments

  • While glucose spikes can contribute to inflammation and aging, the extent of their impact can vary greatly among individuals due to genetic differences, lifestyle factors, and overall diet quality.
  • The process of glycation is a normal part of metabolism, and while excessive glycation can be harmful, the body has mechanisms to deal with some level of glycation products.
  • The link between sugar intake and conditions like dementia and sexual dysfunction is complex and may involve multiple factors beyond glucose spikes, such as overall diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices.
  • Not all instances of brain fog, psoriasis, fertility problems, and sugar cravings can be directly attributed to glucose spikes, as these conditions can have multifactorial causes.
  • The impact of eating sugary items late at night on sleep and inflammation may not be significant for everyone, and other factors such as total caloric intake, meal composition, and individual metabolism can play a role.
  • While stable glucose levels are generally beneficial, some fluctuation in glucose levels is normal and can be well-tolerated by healthy individuals.
  • The recommendation to eat sugar only after a meal may not be the best approach for everyone, as dietary needs and responses to food can vary widely.
  • The idea that preventing glucose spi ...

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How To Optimize Your Brain Health With Your Morning Routine

The Connection Between Physical Activity and Glucose Management

Understanding how physical activity influences glucose management can help in maintaining better blood sugar levels, especially after consuming foods that tend to cause spikes in glucose.

Post-Meal Exercise Directs Glucose to Muscles

Muscle Engagement Prevents Glucose Spikes and Supports Regulation

Muscle cells require glucose for energy, and exercise helps direct this glucose to the muscles efficiently, playing a critical role in managing blood sugar levels. After a meal that causes a glucose spike, such as one with ice cream, performing simple movements like calf raises for about 10 minutes can be beneficial. This activity helps the muscles absorb some of the excess glucose, thereby preventing a sharp spike. Furthermore, engaging muscles after eating, even up to 90 min ...

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The Connection Between Physical Activity and Glucose Management

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Physical activity plays a crucial role in glucose management by helping to regulate blood sugar levels. When we exercise, our muscles use glucose for energy, which can help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. Engaging in physical activity after meals, especially those high in sugar, can assist in directing excess glucose to the muscles, aiding in better glucose control. Regular physical activity not only helps prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar but also contributes to overall metabolic health and better glucose regulation in the long term.
  • During exercise, muscle contractions increase the demand for energy, prompting the body to release glucose into the bloodstream. Insulin sensitivity also improves during physical activity, allowing muscles to more effectively take up glucose for fuel. This process helps regulate blood sugar levels by utilizing excess glucose in the bloodstream, preventing spikes. Regular exercise enhances the muscles' ability to efficiently absorb and utilize glucose, contributing to better glucose management over time.
  • Muscle engagement after consuming a meal helps in utilizing glucose efficiently. When muscles are active, they require more energy, which can lead to increased glucose uptake from the bloodstream. This process can prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar levels by promoting the absorption of excess glucose by the muscles. Regular physical activity can improve the body's ability to manage glucose effectively, contributing to better overall metabolic health.
  • Muscle cells require glucose for energy because glucose is a primary source of fuel for the body's activities. During physical activity, muscle cells break down glucose through a process called glycolysis to produce energy for muscle contractions. This energy production from glucose is essential for powering movements and sustaining exercise performance. Without an adequate supply of glucose, muscle cells would struggle to function optimally during physical exertion.
  • Calf raises, a simple exercise involving raising your body up on your toes and then lowering back down, can help activate the calf muscles. By engaging the calf muscles, you increase blood flow and muscle activity, which can aid in glucose uptake and utilization. This exercise is suggested as a way to promote glucose absorption by the muscles, potentially helping to prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar levels after consuming high-sugar foods. Performing calf raises or any form of physical activity post-meal can contribute to better glucose management by facilitating the movement of glucose from the bloodstream into the muscles for energy utilization.
  • Engaging muscles up to 90 minutes after eating can still be effective for glucose management because the body continues to process nutrients during this time, and muscle activity can help utilize excess glucose. This delayed muscle engagement can aid in preventing blood sugar spikes and contribute to ...

Counterarguments

  • While physical activity generally supports glucose management, individual responses can vary, and some people may not experience significant improvements in blood sugar levels due to genetic factors, other health conditions, or the type and intensity of the exercise.
  • The timing and type of exercise can influence its effectiveness in managing glucose levels, and not all activities may be equally beneficial for everyone.
  • Muscle engagement is helpful, but it is not the only factor in preventing glucose spikes; the overall diet, medication, and other lifestyle factors also play significant roles.
  • The recommendation for simple movements like calf raises may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with mobility issues or certain health conditions that limit their ability to perform such exercises.
  • The effectiveness of engaging muscles up to 90 minutes after eating for glucose management may not be as significant for some individuals, depending on the composition of the meal and their met ...

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