When exploring dieting options, weight loss is not the only goal to keep in mind. There are also diets that serve to improve all over health. The MIND diet is a diet with a specific emphasis on cognitive function. Read on to find out more.
What is the MIND Diet?
The MIND Diet combines both the Mediterranean and the DASH diet to create a diet that aims for reduce dementia and loss of brain function. In addition, because it combines elements of two of the healthiest diets in the world, it can lower blood pressure, the risk of heart disease, diabetes and more. Other benefits of the diet include a possible decrease in oxidative stress and inflammation and the reduction of harmful beta-amyloid proteins.
Because berries have been directly linked to improving brain function and preventing cognitive failure, they are a highly recommended component of the MIND Diet.
Although the Diet does not target weight loss specifically, those who follow this healthy diet and exercise regularly will be likely to shed a few pounds.
The MIND Diet is based on an easy to follow meal plan of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Recipes and healthy living tips can be found in the MIND DIET book which was written by Maggie Moon, MS. RDN.
Exercise on the MIND Diet
Although there is no set regimen for exercise while on the MIND Diet, the healthy living tips included in the book encourage physical activity.
Nutrition on the MIND Diet
The MIND Diet offer 10 foods they encourage dieters to eat as well as 5 foods to avoid. Recommended foods include all kinds of vegetables, berries, nuts, olive oil, whole grains, fish, poultry and a moderate amount of wine. Foods to avoid include butter and margarine, cheese, red meat, fried food, pastries and sweets. These foods all contain high amounts of saturated and trans fat that can be detrimental to health.
Customer Feedback for the MIND Diet
The MIND Diet has been getting some excellent feedback from those who have tried it. Here is what some people are saying:
“This is a great cookbook. It is a combination of the Mediterranean and the DASH diet. The author claims it is a scientific approach for enhancing brain function and helping to prevent Alzheimer’s and Dementia. I have had family members with both Alzheimer’s and Dementia. These are brutal conditions! This book will help me prepare healthier brain food for my family.”
As my parents get older, I become more and more aware of their health. The possibility of dementia is always with us as we age, and this book helps us eat food that will hopefully lessen the possibility. These recipes are designed to improve memory and mental acuity. The recipes are detailed and easy to follow. My parents have been loving it too. Highly recommended!”
“This book provides a great balance between the technical background information, easy to navigate ‘how to’ checklists and suggested recipes to start out with. Additionally, I was amazed by Maggie Moon’s immediate response to a follow up question that I had posted on her website. You can tell she cares about the topic and is interested in making people successful in following the MIND Diet.”
Advantages of the MIND Diet
- Can help improve cognitive function.
- Can improve health.
- Easy to follow recipes and meal plans.
- Can help promote weight loss.
- Author personally responds to dieter’s inquiries.
Disadvantages of the MIND Diet
- Does not specifically target weight loss for dieters who really need to lose weight.
- Does not include a specific exercise plan.
Conclusion
The MIND Diet is a healthy diet that may improve cognitive function, aid in weight loss and provide all over better health to those who follow it. Dieters who follow the diet strictly should definitely experience an improvement in their quality of life.