10 Brain Food Recipes to Boost Your Mood

Did you know the foods we eat can affect not only our physical bodies but our state of mind? We had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Drew Ramsey on our latest podcast, author behind 50 Shades of Kale (yes, that’s right!) and a psychiatrist focused on how food can do good for our brains and boost our moods.

Dr. Ramsey’s latest cookbook, Eat Complete, has some amazing stories of people who saw significant improvement in their anxiety or depression by simply changing what they ate. And what foods to change to? Dr. Ramsey has a little motto that we love: Seafood, Greens, Nuts, and Beans.It’s an easy way to remember how to eat. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite brain food recipes with seafood, greens, nuts and beans below — and check out the podcast to hear more from Dr. Ramsey’s inspiring interview.

10 Brain Food Recipes

Grilled Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers with Quinoa Pesto

One of our favorite ways to eat shrimp, these skewers are simple to put together and perfect for grilling season.

Sprouted Lentil Stew with Kale

This hearty stew with lentils and loads of nutrient-dense kale is a delicious way to get your greens.

Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta

Our other favorite way to eat shrimp: Mediterranean-style baked with tomatoes, feta and squeezed with lemon.

Rice Bowl with Kale, Red Pepper, and Egg

This rice bowl features nutrient-rich kale alongside red peppers and portabello mushrooms, topped with a gooey egg.

Tropical Mango Salad with Grilled Shrimp

OK, one more shrimp recipe, this time tossed in a zesty mango salad with crispy veggies, cilantro lime dressing, and cashews.

Fried Eggs with Bulgur and Spinach

This beans & greens meal can be whipped up in just 30 minutes — and we’ve got a video to prove it.

Sweet Potato Soup with Harissa and Greens

This nutrient-filled savory-sweet soup features spinach, peanuts, and a dollop of mild harissa.

Salmon en Papillote

An A Couple Cooks favorite, cooking salmon in parchment paper is quick, easy, and a romantic date night.

Kale Pesto White Bean Dip

Kale in dip? Yes, please. This hummus-like dip is perfect for veggies and pita chips.

Raw Brownies

He said nuts, right? This wholesome dessert is made primarily of walnuts and almonds, with a few dates for some sweetness. Brain food, for sure!