The Everyday Eats That Keep Me from Forgetting Why I Walked into the Kitchen

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I’ll be honest with you—Alzheimer’s is one of those words that used to make me shut down. It felt distant, something that happened to “other people.” But then my grandmother, the sharpest lady I knew, started mixing up names and forgetting the stories she told just the day before. Watching her struggle felt like losing parts of her piece by piece. That’s when I realized I needed to take brain health seriously—not just when I’m older, but starting now.

I’m no doctor, but I do know that food is one of the most powerful things we can use to keep our minds in shape. So I decided to build a daily eating routine that gives my brain the best shot at staying sharp, focused, and maybe even witty in my 80s. And because I’m also a busy human (like you), I keep it simple, consistent, and yes—delicious.

Here are the foods I eat every day to help prevent Alzheimer’s, with a few Amazon finds sprinkled in for easy access. Because let’s be real, if it’s not on Prime, I probably won’t remember to get it.

1. Blueberries (a.k.a. Nature’s Brain Candy)

Every morning, I toss a handful of frozen blueberries into my oatmeal or smoothie. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which may help delay brain aging and improve memory.

I swear, when I started doing this, I stopped rereading emails five times before hitting send. Coincidence? Maybe. But I’m not taking chances.

Amazon Pick:

Wyman’s Fresh Frozen Wild Blueberries – Wild blueberries have even more antioxidants than the regular kind.

2. Oats (Because Fiber Is Sexy Too)

I eat oatmeal almost every morning because it’s warm, filling, and doesn’t require me to be fully awake to make it. Plus, whole grains like oats keep blood sugar stable—and the brain loves steady energy. No crashes, no afternoon forgetfulness.

Also, I get weirdly excited about topping it with cinnamon and nut butter. Judge me if you want.

Amazon Pick:

Bob’s Red Mill Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats

3. Walnuts (Shaped Like a Brain, Coincidence? I Think Not)

Snack time = walnut time. I usually keep a jar on my desk so I don’t end up eating sad vending machine chips at 3 p.m. Walnuts are rich in omega-3s, which are key for brain health.

There’s something oddly satisfying about cracking them open and feeling like a squirrel preparing for winter. But most days, I go with the pre-shelled kind because I’m lazy and my thumbs aren’t built for that kind of pressure.

Amazon Pick:

California Raw Walnuts – Shelled, Unsalted

4. Turmeric (Yes, I’m That Person Now)

I started adding turmeric to my food after reading about curcumin, the active ingredient that fights inflammation in the brain. I throw it in soups, sprinkle it on roasted veggies, and even stir it into warm almond milk when I’m feeling fancy.

It stains everything yellow—including my countertops—but I figure it’s a small price to pay for sharper memory and a better mood.

Amazon Pick:

Organic Turmeric Powder with Black Pepper – The black pepper helps your body absorb it better.

5. Leafy Greens (My Mom Was Right All Along)

I’m not naturally a salad person. But I found a workaround: I throw a big handful of spinach or kale into my eggs, stir-fry, or soup. Leafy greens are rich in folate, vitamin K, and lutein, which are all linked to slower cognitive decline.

When I skip a day, I weirdly feel fuzzier—like my brain’s running on low battery. Is that scientific? No clue. But it’s enough to keep the greens coming.

Amazon Pick:

Nature’s Path Organic Power Greens Blend (Spinach, Kale, Chard) – Great for smoothies and sautés.

6. Green Tea (My Midday Wake-Up Without the Jitters)

I swapped my second cup of coffee for green tea a while back, and not only is my brain calmer, I swear I’m remembering people’s names better. It’s got caffeine, yes, but also L-theanine, which promotes focus without the crash.

Bonus: sipping tea makes me feel like a wise, mystical creature. Or at least less stressed during Zoom meetings.

Amazon Pick:

Matcha Green Tea Powder – Organic, Japanese, Ceremonial Grade – I make lattes with almond milk and a tiny whisk. Feels luxurious.

7. Dark Chocolate (I’m Not a Monster)

The best part? I end my day with a little square (okay, sometimes two) of dark chocolate. It has flavonoids, which boost blood flow to the brain and support memory. I choose the kind with at least 70% cocoa because I’m fancy like that.

Plus, it keeps me from raiding the pantry at midnight looking for something sugary. Win-win.

Amazon Pick:

Lindt Excellence 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar

8. Olive Oil (Drizzle Like You Mean It)

I use extra virgin olive oil every day—on salads, veggies, or just drizzled over toast. It’s a big part of the Mediterranean diet, which is one of the best-researched eating styles for brain health.

I used to be scared of oils. Now, I pour it like I’m on a cooking show. Life’s too short to skip the good fats.

Amazon Pick:

Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The Bottom Line

Look, none of these foods are magic. I’m still going to forget where I left my keys or why I walked into a room sometimes. But adding these brain-friendly foods into my daily routine gives me peace of mind—and honestly, they just make me feel better.

Eating for Alzheimer’s prevention doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. You don’t need a gourmet chef or a 12-step meal plan. Just a few smart choices, made over and over again, can add up to a big difference over time.

And if all else fails, at least you’ll have snacks that are good for you—even if you forget why you opened the fridge in the first place.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases, but this does not affect my recommendations.I only suggest products I’ve personally vetted.

One response to “Brain Food or Bust!”

  1. Garima,

    And with state testing, someone might try it. I am in. Food for medicine.

    Thank you, Gary

    Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com

    Liked by 1 person

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