This is Week 1 of the 4-week Brain Health Meal Plan.
This meal plan has been built on the principles of the MIND diet, a dietary pattern that combines aspects of two very popular diets, the Mediterranean diet, and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.
The MIND diet combines foods from the Mediterranean and DASH diets that have been shown to benefit brain health, such as green leafy vegetables, berries, nuts and seeds, whole grains, legumes, fish, poultry, and olive oil.
Scientists believe that the Mind Diet works to protect brain health by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in the body.
In addition to brain-nourishing foods, this meal plan includes meals and snacks that are quick and easy to prepare and also provide leftovers for days when motivation and energy levels are low, which can happen frequently during periods of low mood and high stress and anxiety.