It’s National Eat Outside Day! Pack These Brain-boosting Picnic Foods

Whether you eat on the grass in your own yard or head to the park for a picnic, there are plenty of brain-boosting food options that travel well, taste delicious, and can make any outdoor meal feel a bit more glamorous! Try a combination of foods from the following list to relieve stress, brighten your mood, and treat your brain to the nutrition it needs to function at its best!

1. Brightly colored fruits

Blueberries, raspberries, cherries, strawberries and dark purple grapes are especially good choices for their flavonoid antioxidants.

2. Healthy beverages

Green tea, pomegranate juice, and kombuchas are all excellent drink options that contribute to brain health.

3. Nuts, seeds and nut butters

Higher levels of vitamin E have been linked to less cognitive decline and some of the best sources are nuts, seeds and nut butters. Choose from walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and unhydrogenated nut butters, such as tahini.

4. Sardines or wild-caught smoked salmon

Deep-water fish, such as wild-caught salmon, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital to the brain. Salmon, along with sardines, are great sources of food to fight inflammation. 

5. Avocados

This fatty fruit (yes, fruit!) is rich in monounsaturated fat, which contributes to healthy blood flow to the brain. It also lowers blood pressure, which helps reduce your risk of hypertension (which, in turn, can contribute to cognitive decline). 

6. Dark chocolate

In addition to enhancing concentration and stimulating endorphins, dark chocolate has antioxidant properties, which might make it your brain’s favorite superfood!