Rewire Your Brain: Metabolic Secrets for Healthy Aging

What if the brain fog, fatigue, and cognitive decline you assumed were inevitable parts of aging could actually be prevented—or even reversed? This transformative weekend retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health invites you to discover the biological foundations of brain health, moving beyond conventional wisdom to explore the metabolic roots of neurological vitality. Led by nutritional scientist John Bagnulo and culinary educator Jan Buhrman, this program bridges cutting-edge neuroscience with practical, nourishing kitchen wisdom—offering a pathway to clarity, resilience, and sustained mental wellness as you age.

Most of us don't realize that nutritional deficiencies, metabolic stress, and lifestyle patterns quietly compromise brain function long before symptoms appear on the surface. This retreat illuminates the hidden mechanisms at work: brain insulin resistance, mitochondrial health, and the pivotal role of fat-based metabolism in protecting neural tissue. You'll learn why your brain needs more than glucose to thrive, and how a strategic shift toward specific fats and nutrients can restore the metabolic foundation of cognitive resilience.

Held November 20–23, 2026, in the serene Stockbridge, MA setting of Kripalu Center, this weekend combines scientific education with embodied learning and delicious, nutrient-dense meals. Whether you're navigating early cognitive changes, supporting a family member's brain health, or simply committed to aging with vitality and presence, this retreat offers both knowledge and practical tools you can implement immediately.

What to Expect

Over three days, you'll explore the science of brain metabolism through interactive teachings, nourishing meals prepared by Jan that translate nutritional principles into culinary practice, and time in Kripalu's supportive community environment. John Bagnulo guides you through the mechanisms of mitochondrial health, brain insulin resistance, and how fat-soluble nutrients protect and restore neural function. Jan demonstrates how to build recipes that honor both nutritional density and genuine enjoyment—making brain health accessible and sustainable.

The retreat balances intellectual rigor with contemplative space, honoring Kripalu's ethos of integrated wellness. You'll leave with a clear understanding of your own brain's metabolic needs and a set of practical strategies—dietary, lifestyle, and mindfulness-based—to implement at home.

Venue & Logistics

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, offers a peaceful, supportive setting dedicated to holistic wellness. The retreat runs Friday, November 20 through Sunday, November 22, 2026. Comfortable, casual clothing is recommended. Kripalu is accessible and welcomes guests of all abilities; contact the center directly regarding specific accessibility needs.