40+ MIND Diet Recipes & a Free Meal Plan for Better Brain Health (2024)

Boost your brain health deliciously with 40+ MIND diet recipes, a MIND Diet Meal Plan, & a MIND diet tracker!

Scary stuff.–>Did you know that fluid intelligence,your ability to think quickly and recall information, peaks around age 20, then slowly declines?

Don’t fret, though. There’s good news too! Becausethe MIND Diet (MIND stands for Mediterranean-Dash Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) is based on two popular diets, theMediterranean diet+ theDASH diet. And it has been shown to boost brain health, slow cognitive decline, and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease byup to 53%.

Learn More!

Read this post: 13 Things To Do Now to Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease!

40+ MIND Diet Recipes & a Free Meal Plan for Better Brain Health (1)

This post contains affiliate links for products I recommend and personally use. If you purchase a product through these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!

In this post: MIND Diet 101, Recipes, Meal Plan, & Tracker

  • Whatdo you eat on the MIND diet?
    • Eat these MIND diet foods daily (or almost daily)
    • Eat these foods weekly.
    • Limit these foods
  • The science behind the MIND diet
  • MIND Diet Recipes Cookbook
  • 3-Day Sample MIND Diet Meal Plan
  • BONUS! Free MIND Diet Tracker!

I’ve shared my love of the Mediterranean diet here and here. As for the DASH diet (DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), it’s considered one of the best diets by U.S. News and World Report. In addition, it’s a top diet for high blood pressure and other chronic diseases, including heart disease, insulin resistance, and gout.

Harvard Health also rated the DASH diet and said, “research supports the use of the DASH diet as a healthy eating pattern that may help lower blood pressure and prevent or reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, kidney failure, and gout.”

In addition, the MIND Diet features nourishing and delicious anti-inflammatory foods, many of which you may already be eating on a healthy diet. It’s also simple and easy to follow.

Whatdo you eat on the MIND diet?

40+ MIND Diet Recipes & a Free Meal Plan for Better Brain Health (2)

You can enjoy many delicious brain foods on the MIND diet, including berries, whole grains, nuts, salmon, lentils, leafy greens (try the yummy pictured above!), extra-virgin olive oil, wine, and more. Let’s take a closer look at the MIND diet principles.

Eat these MIND diet foods daily (or almost daily)

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil Make it your primarycooking oil. Avocado oil is also a brain-healthy and heart-healthy choice.
  • Green Leafy Vegetables Eat 1 serving 6 x week, including arugula, collard greens, kale, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, watercress, etc.
  • VegetablesEat one serving daily in addition to your leafy greens. You can eat any vegetables, but I recommend nutrient-dense veggies like artichokes, asparagus, beets, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, endive, leeks, mushrooms, onions, and squash.
  • Whole Grains(gluten-free whole grains as needed) Eat three servings of whole grains per day. Gluten-free options include buckwheat, millet, oats, purple and brown rice, sorghum, teff, and corn.
  • Wine(optional one glass/day), especially red wine, is high in polyphenols.

Related Post: Make This One Simple Change to Live a Healthier, More Vibrant Life

Eat these foods weekly.

  • Nuts Eat five servings each week. Enjoy a variety of nuts, including almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts.
  • Beans & Legumes Eat three+ servings per week of black beans, black-eyed peas, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, lentils, peanuts, pinto beans, etc.
  • Lean Poultry Eat two+ servings of white meat, chicken, and turkey per week.
  • Berries Eat two+ servings per week of blackberries, boysenberries, blueberries, golden berries, huckleberries, raspberries, strawberries, and wild blueberries.
  • Fish Eat one+ servings each week, especially fatty fish like salmon, tuna, rainbow trout, and sardines.

Limit these foods

  • Sweets & Pastries Eat less than five servings per week.
  • Butter & Margarine Limit to less than one tablespoon per day.
  • Red meat Eat less than four servings per week.
  • Whole Fat Cheese Limit to one serving or less per week.
  • Fried Fast Foods Eat less than one serving per week.

Didn’t I tell you the MIND Diet is easy to follow?

Well, except for maybe “limit whole fat cheese to one serving” & “eat less than five servings of sweets” per week. Sigh… But don’t worry. There’s more good news!

You don’t have to follow a MIND Diet Meal Plan 100%to reap the brain health benefits, as research has found that following the diet even partially reduces Alzheimer’s risk by 35%.

So, although I already have reduced my whole-fat cheese intake to a respectable 2-3 times per week, I can feel good about enjoying a small sweet treat daily. Baby steps 🙂

And, since my No-Bake Chocolate Chip Energy Bites are made from almond flour and have only 4 grams of added sugar per serving, I’m sure they’re allowed on a MIND Diet Meal Plan. Don’t you think??

40+ MIND Diet Recipes & a Free Meal Plan for Better Brain Health (3)

The science behind the MIND diet

Nutritional epidemiologist Martha Clare Morris, Ph.D., and her Rush University Medical Center colleagues developed the MIND Diet. And as I mentioned earlier, one of the most encouraging things about the MIND diet is that even if you don’t follow it 100%, you can still reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s by up to 35%.

I enjoyed learning more about the MIND diet from a nutrition talk byMaggie Moon,RD, and author ofThe MIND Diet. A Scientific Approach to Enhancing Brain Function and Helping Prevent Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Maggie gave an outstanding presentation on the research behind the diet, including its effects on reducing oxidative stress and preventing the loss of brain function that occurs with aging.

Maggie also talked about the wide variety of food groups and all the different cuisines {Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Mexican, & so many more!} that can be adapted to a MIND Diet, making it appealing to all tastes and easy to follow.

If you are interested in learning more about the specifics of the diet and would like to access MIND Diet-friendly recipes, along with a MIND Diet scoring system,I highly recommend you check out her MIND Diet book!

MIND Diet Recipes Cookbook

40+ MIND Diet Recipes & a Free Meal Plan for Better Brain Health (4)

In the meantime, if you’re ready to try it, I’ve created a free MIND Diet Recipes Cookbook with 42 delicious recipes for good brain health and overall health. You’ll find various tasty MIND diet recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert to reduce your Alzheimer’s risk and boost your cognitive function.

Free instant download! 40+ MIND Diet Recipes for Better Brain Health

I’ve also created a sample 3-Day Gluten-Free Mind Diet Plan featuring some of my own delicious MIND diet recipes for brain health. Enjoy!

3-Day Sample MIND Diet Meal Plan

40+ MIND Diet Recipes & a Free Meal Plan for Better Brain Health (5)

DAY ONE

  • Breakfast: Blueberry Smoothie Bowl
  • Lunch: Raw Zucchini Noodles with Lemony Avocado Pesto
  • Snack: 1 Tangerine + 2 Cups Popcorn w/ Olive Oil, Rosemary, & Sea Salt
  • Dinner: Rainbow Rotisserie Chicken Salad w/ Honey Mustard Dressing+ 1 Glass Wine (Optional)

DAY TWO

  • Breakfast:Green Eggs, No Ham + 1 Slice Whole Grain (gluten-free if preferred) Toast + Cherries
  • Lunch: Leftover Rainbow Rotisserie Chicken Salad (recipe above)
  • Snack:Banana Slices + Peanut Butter
  • Dinner: Crunchy Lentil Tacos + 1 Glass Wine (optional) + Apple Slices w/ Cinnamon

DAY THREE

  • Breakfast:Oatmeal Chia Berry Crisp + Plain Greek Yogurt
  • Lunch:
  • Snack: 1 cup Strawberries + 1/4 cup Walnuts
  • Dinner: Asian Pan Seared Salmon + Forbidden Rice + Steamed Broccoli + 1 Glass Wine (optional)

BONUS! Free MIND Diet Tracker!

If you’re serious about eating for better brain health, download your FREE MIND Diet Tracker to remind you to eat all these delicious brain-healthy foods every week!

40+ MIND Diet Recipes & a Free Meal Plan for Better Brain Health (6)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE MIND DIET TRACKER!

Did you enjoy this post?

Please leave your comments or questions and share this post with your friends and family. I truly appreciate your support!

Thanks so much for sharing!

Share on FacebookShare on X (Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInShare on Email
Diet first, supplements second

Relevate for Brain Health

Backed by science, RELEVATE fills the gaps between what most people eat and the diets (like the MIND diet) proven to be the healthiest for your brain. Click the link below to learn more and get 15% off your order with code “SPICYRD”

EA Stewart

Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

EA Stewart, MBA, RD is an integrative registered dietitian specializing in wellness nutrition, digestive health, autoimmune disease, brain health, and vibrant aging. She creates easy, plant-forward gluten-free recipes for a wide variety of diets including low FODMAP, Mediterranean, and more.

40+ MIND Diet Recipes & a Free Meal Plan for Better Brain Health (2024)

FAQs

What foods can improve brain health on the MIND diet? ›

* Nuts up to five servings or more each week. * Olive oil for cooking. * Whole grains like oatmeal, quinoa, whole-wheat bread or brown rice for at least three servings daily. * Beans, including lentils and soybeans at least four times a week.

What is not allowed on the MIND diet? ›

The MIND diet encourages limiting your consumption of butter and margarine, cheese, red meat, fried food, pastries, and sweets because they contain large amounts of saturated fat and trans fat.

What are the three foods for brain health? ›

The Best Foods for Brain Health
  • protein-rich legumes, beans, and nuts;
  • high omega-3 fatty fish, like salmon; and.
  • fruits and vegetables, particularly dark-colored berries and green leafy vegetables.
Sep 7, 2022

What is the AARP MIND diet? ›

Unlike these diets, though, MIND specifies 10 “brain healthy” food groups to eat — among them, vegetables, berries, olive oil, nuts, whole grains and beans — and five unhealthy foods to limit (red meat, fast fried foods, pastries, cheese and other sweets).

What is the number one food for your brain? ›

Research shows that the best brain foods are the same ones that protect your heart and blood vessels, including the following: Green, leafy vegetables. Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, collards, and broccoli are rich in brain-healthy nutrients like vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta carotene.

What is the #1 worst eating habit for memory loss? ›

6 WORST HABITS THAT DAMAGE OUR BRAIN

Poo Diet: Eating a diet that is high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats can damage your brain and impair your memory. Instead, focus on eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

Are eggs ok on the MIND diet? ›

Eggs are a great source of protein, and you can eat them while following the MIND diet. However, you should avoid adding butter, cheese, or other condiments.

Is peanut butter on the MIND diet? ›

Plus, they're packed with protein and 19 vitamins and minerals, making them a true superfood. To meet the MIND diet guidelines, Dr. Sterling suggests eating a handful of peanuts or two tablespoons of peanut butter almost every day.

What is the number one vitamin for brain health? ›

B vitamins like B6, B12, and B9 (folic acid) all play a role in brain health. But unless you're low on them or pregnant (folic acid is a must to prevent birth defects), a supplement is unlikely to help. If you're at high risk for Alzheimer's, ask your doctor.

What is the number one food that fights dementia? ›

There's no single or “best” food to fight dementia. Eating patterns that include several anti-inflammatory foods may help to prevent or slow dementia. These include leafy greens, nuts, berries, whole grains, beans, and olive oil.

What are two power foods that keep the brain healthy? ›

15 "Brain Foods" That May Help Preserve Your Memory
  • Nuts and Seeds. Nuts such as walnuts, almonds and peanuts as well as sunflower and pumpkin seeds, are brain foods high in protein and omega fatty acids. ...
  • Salmon. ...
  • Beans. ...
  • Blueberries. ...
  • Dark and leafy greens. ...
  • Lean Red Meat. ...
  • Avocados. ...
  • Tomatoes.

What foods clean the brain? ›

Best Foods for A Healthy Brain and Improved Memory
  • Fish.
  • Coffee.
  • Berries.
  • Turmeric.
  • Broccoli.
  • Pumpkin seeds.
  • Dark chocolate.
  • Nuts.

Which fruit is good for the brain? ›

Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries, are rich in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids. These compounds help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, protecting brain cells from damage.

Is oatmeal on the MIND diet? ›

A bowl of oatmeal meets the MIND diet's requirements for whole grains, and people can add toppings such as fresh blueberries and walnuts to add vitamins and minerals.

What is brain food for mental illness? ›

To boost your mental health, focus on eating plenty of fruits and vegetables along with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon. Dark green leafy vegetables in particular are brain protective.

Are eggs allowed on the MIND diet? ›

Eggs are a great source of protein, and you can eat them while following the MIND diet. However, you should avoid adding butter, cheese, or other condiments.

Top Articles
Frankfort Busted Newspaper
M3Gan Showtimes Near Oneida Movieplex
Spectrum Gdvr-2007
12 Rue Gotlib 21St Arrondissem*nt
Rondale Moore Or Gabe Davis
Sissy Transformation Guide | Venus Sissy Training
Athletic Squad With Poles Crossword
Ub Civil Engineering Flowsheet
Jesus Revolution Showtimes Near Chisholm Trail 8
Natureza e Qualidade de Produtos - Gestão da Qualidade
Conduent Connect Feps Login
Newgate Honda
Gon Deer Forum
Bcbs Prefix List Phone Numbers
Navy Female Prt Standards 30 34
10-Day Weather Forecast for Santa Cruz, CA - The Weather Channel | weather.com
China’s UberEats - Meituan Dianping, Abandons Bike Sharing And Ride Hailing - Digital Crew
Testberichte zu E-Bikes & Fahrrädern von PROPHETE.
Rural King Credit Card Minimum Credit Score
Glenda Mitchell Law Firm: Law Firm Profile
*Price Lowered! This weekend ONLY* 2006 VTX1300R, windshield & hard bags, low mi - motorcycles/scooters - by owner -...
Used Safari Condo Alto R1723 For Sale
Brazos Valley Busted Newspaper
Weve Got You Surrounded Meme
1 Filmy4Wap In
Hellraiser 3 Parents Guide
Student Portal Stvt
Mcclendon's Near Me
Kaliii - Area Codes Lyrics
Meggen Nut
Delta Rastrear Vuelo
"Pure Onyx" by xxoom from Patreon | Kemono
Netherforged Lavaproof Boots
Watchdocumentaries Gun Mayhem 2
El agente nocturno, actores y personajes: quién es quién en la serie de Netflix The Night Agent | MAG | EL COMERCIO PERÚ
42 Manufacturing jobs in Grayling
SF bay area cars & trucks "chevrolet 50" - craigslist
Chatropolis Call Me
Mars Petcare 2037 American Italian Way Columbia Sc
Entry of the Globbots - 20th Century Electro​-​Synthesis, Avant Garde & Experimental Music 02;31,​07 - Volume II, by Various
Lake Andes Buy Sell Trade
Other Places to Get Your Steps - Walk Cabarrus
2007 Jaguar XK Low Miles for sale - Palm Desert, CA - craigslist
Executive Lounge - Alle Informationen zu der Lounge | reisetopia Basics
Jaefeetz
Oklahoma City Farm & Garden Craigslist
Graduation Requirements
Concentrix + Webhelp devient Concentrix
Hampton Inn Corbin Ky Bed Bugs
De Donde Es El Area +63
Cognitive Function Test Potomac Falls
All Obituaries | Roberts Funeral Home | Logan OH funeral home and cremation
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 6491

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Birthday: 2001-08-13

Address: 96487 Kris Cliff, Teresiafurt, WI 95201

Phone: +9418513585781

Job: Senior Designer

Hobby: Calligraphy, Rowing, Vacation, Geocaching, Web surfing, Electronics, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Benton Quitzon, I am a comfortable, charming, thankful, happy, adventurous, handsome, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.