July 4th is upon us, so I wanted to give you a few tips and resources to help you have a brain-friendly Fourth.

The truth is that for many of us, in our pursuit of happiness (namely with beer and wine, which ​see a 40 percent boost in sales as we toast our nation’s independence), Saturday is going to leave us fizzled out the next day.

According to Captivate’s ​Office Pulse,​ a survey panel of working professionals. Almost 1 in 5 (19%) of workers said they will be “extra tired” or “hungover” on Wednesday, and 30% of millennials expect to be exhausted and hungover.

That's almost 70% of you here in my newsletter audience (millennials)... Yikes!

As a wellness expert and a brain health professional, I know all too well the benefits for our health of paying attention to our alcohol consumption and the way we eat and pour into ourselves during holidays. The benefits collected far outweigh whatever 'fun' we may think is on the other side of going all in.

Personally, I always feel more energized, have less brain fog, and my sleep... OMG my sleep improves so much!

It’s all about balance!

And as we navigate this holiday, one of the frequent questions I've gotten from my brain and sleep optimization coaching clients is "Can I still enjoy alcohol and eat good, tasty food during the holidays without sacrificing my sleep and brain's health?"

While I don’t recommend drinking alcohol regularly for obvious reasons, it’s also a common social part of the holidays, and we value relationships and the social aspect of life. However, I understand the importance of social gatherings; there’s room for alcohol if you already have a healthy foundation and implement moderation.

NOW, FOR SOME TIPS:

1) Biohacked wines. During the journey of healing my brain and my sleep, I continued to research the effects of alcohol on my body. In this process, I learned that a lot of other experts I’ve been learning from were talking about a wine that is basically sugar-free.

The name of this company is ​Dry Farm Wines​. They source natural, organic, biodynamic, low-alcohol wine and lab-test it to be free of mold and additives. a.ka. minimal inflammation and little to no hangover the next morning for you!

All wines from Dry Farms are:

• Completely organic
• Organically farmed
• Zero chemicals
• Synthetic-free
• Natural

Did you know that the FDA actually allows 76 different additives in American wines? In fact, an ingredient only needs to be considered as GRAS (generally regarded as safe). Yikes!

​Dry Farm Wines has been incredibly kind to offer my CEO Wellness Club community an extra bottle for just $0.01 with your first order. Click here to claim it!

My suggestion is to drink it earlier in the evening, ideally allowing at least a 4-hour window between your last sip of alcohol and sleep.

Limit yourself to 2 glasses.

2) Opt for Healthier Grill Options. Grilling is a quintessential part of 4th of July celebrations, but it's worth considering healthier alternatives. Choose lean cuts of meat, such as skinless chicken or turkey breasts, and trim excess fat. Include plant-based options like veggie burgers or grilled vegetables. Marinating your proteins in herbs, spices, and citrus juices can add flavor without relying on heavy sauces.

3) Load up on veggies. Start your meal with vegetables, and snack on raw veggie sticks. This will help keep you full with fiber, and the action of chewing vegetables simply takes longer than it does eating most other (calorically dense) foods.

4) Drink plenty of water. Especially if you’re out on a boat, by the pool, or just outside in the heat, we all know how important staying hydrated is. If you’re also drinking cocktails, be sure you’re staying well-hydrated and not going overboard with alcohol.

5) Be mindful and enjoy. If there’s a dessert or some calorically dense foods that you really love, enjoy them, but do so with mindfulness. Being mindful and present while eating those foods you love so much will help you get the most satisfaction from eating coupled with being aware of your hunger cues. If you’re eating those foods mindlessly, i.e., snacking and talking or drinking at the same time, chances are you’ll eat far more than you intended to.

BRAIN & SLEEP FRIENDLY 4TH OF JULY SPECIALS

My FAVORITE ever non-toxic mattress and bedding brand, AVOCADO MATTRESS, is having HUGE discounts for these 4th of July festivities. Don’t miss this chance and switch to a mattress that does not disrupt your health.

Did you know regular mattresses are sprayed with TONS of chemicals, including formaldehyde (a potential carcinogen) or boric acid (a toxic respiratory irritant often used to kill cockroaches)?

15% OFF sitewide starting next Tuesday 9th, until Monday, July 13th. No code needed!

It covers all my non-negotiables and is crafted from the finest natural materials (organic wool and cotton). Naturally cool and breathable, and it's also free from polyurethane foams and fire retardants for healthy sleep.

​I have the king size, with a medium 'feel' which is perfect for side and back sleepers like me.

MY FAVE RED LIGHT THERAPY DEVICE

Every morning I spend 10 minutes in front of my Rouge red light therapy panel as part of my brain health rituals.

They are having a RARE 25% OFF site-wide (they almost NEVER do this), so if you've been meaning to get a red light therapy device, this is your chance.

​I have the Rouge Pro G4 panel.​

Photobiomodulation (the science behind red and near-infrared light) penetrates skull tissue and activates neurons, increasing ATP production and reducing neuroinflammation. Emerging research shows it may help reduce amyloid beta plaques, the proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. As a brain health expert, this is mostly why I do red light therapy.

Okay, okay, and also because the anti-aging and glowing skin benefits... not going to lie lol

MY FAVE AIR PURIFIERS

The air in your home or office can be 2-5x more polluted than the outdoor air, which can lead to long-term illnesses and decreased life expectancy.

My favorite air purifier brand (MEDIFY AIR) is having a major sale of 25% OFF on all 1-pack purifiers!

💰 Save BIG - Click HERE, and use the code 4TH40SALE for 20% off of MA-40 air purifiers at checkout!

And while at it, also get yourself a mini travel version like mine.... I can't travel without it. It's a lifesaver and easy to carry. Trust me!

CIRCADIAN-FRIENDLY LIGHT BULBS

I switched all the lights in my home for these circadian-friendly light bulbs (lights in the amber/red spectrum), and it's one of the best decisions I've made for my sleep. I turn them on 'sunset mode' as soon as 6 p.m. hits to support my circadian rhythm and allow my body to wind down sooo easily.

​They are having 20% OFF sitewide until July 5th!​

🧠 BRAIN TRIVIA

1. True or False: The human brain contains approximately 100 billion neurons.

2. Which neurotransmitter is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward?

a) Serotonin
b) Dopamine
c) Acetylcholine
d) GABA

3. What is the average weight of an adult human brain?

a) 1 pound (0.45 kg)
b) 3 pounds (1.36 kg)
c) 5 pounds (2.27 kg)
d) 7 pounds (3.18 kg)

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That's all from me today.

Stay safe, and enjoy the holiday (if you're in USA!).

Talk to you soon.

-Candy

Trivia's answers:

1. False (the brain has an average of 86 billion neurons).
2. Option b
3. Option b

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**As usual, all opinions and suggestions of people, places, and products I love are my own. All of the linked products are independently selected and curated by the CEO Wellness Club team and me. If you love and buy something we link to, we may earn a commission. This newsletter and my masterclasses are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. Always ask your doctor before trying any new regimens, herbs, or supplements.