Reading · Mood Food with Dr. Uma Naidoo MD

Hey MoodFoodie,

Summer is one of my favorite seasons to eat outdoors. Whether I’m in Boston, on Cape Cod, Central Park or traveling for work, there’s something restorative about slowing down and sharing a meal outside. And hey even if it’s you alone on your lunch break – walk outside and savor the moment like I did during earlier times in my career, when I’d take daily walks along the beautiful Charles River in Boston.

But as a nutritional psychiatrist, I can’t help thinking about another question:

What foods help us return home feeling mentally refreshed instead of sluggish?

I never pack soda, juices or energy drinks. I do pack lots of water and add sliced citrus fruit (orange, lemons and limes) if I want the water more flavor forward. Why? Sodas and juices are empty calories that contain tons of sugar, high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners – none of these drinks help hydration, but they do negatively impact our blood sugar, insulin resistance and ultimately our waistline.

When I pack a picnic basket, I’m also not counting calories because when eaten in moderation, healthy whole foods are going to nourish you and leave you feeling satiated.

I’m thinking about foods that help support:

✔ steady energy

✔ mental clarity

✔ a healthy gut microbiome

✔ lower inflammation

✔ balanced blood sugar

Because a picnic should leave you feeling lighter—not ready for a nap.

Here are a few staples you’ll almost always find in my basket:

Fresh berries
Crunchy vegetables like sliced cucumber which are also hydrating, celery and carrots
Hummus
Almond butter
Clementines
Sliced apples
Kimchi or sauerkraut
Plain yoghurt
Mixed olives
Nuts and seeds
A delicious fiber filled bean salad
Crunchy tofu, crispy air fried salmon or chicken “bites”
Fresh herbs
Sparkling or plain water with orange slices and mint

I also love choosing foods that are colorful because color often means polyphenols—plant compounds that help nourish our gut microbes and support brain health.

This week inside Mental Clarity Kitchen I’m opening my entire picnic basket.

I’m sharing:

• Exactly how I pack everything

• Brain-health upgrades for classic picnic foods

• What I intentionally leave out—and why

• My “mental clarity picnic formula” you can use all summer long.

👉 Upgrade to Mental Clarity Kitchen to see everything that’s inside my basket.

Warmly,
Dr. Uma

P.S.: There is just one week left to lock in the founding members annual subscription price of $79.99 before the price increases to $99.99 on July 1! Subscribe today to lock in this low price for the next year!

_{In Partnership with Pique}

Did you know that your liver plays a vital role in processing toxins, metabolizing hormones, and supporting overall health? While the body naturally detoxifies itself, daily habits like eating fiber-rich foods, staying hydrated, prioritizing sleep, and managing stress can help support these important pathways.

One tool I’ve been enjoying lately is Pique’s Liver Detox Duo. This tea-based system is designed to complement your wellness routine with ingredients that support healthy liver function and the body’s natural detoxification processes. I love starting the morning with Electric Turmeric to ground and support the body, and winding down in the evening with La Ginger to aid digestion and overnight renewal.

Remember: no supplement replaces a nutrient-dense diet, but when paired with healthy lifestyle habits, targeted support can help you feel your best from the inside out.

I am excited that Pique is currently offering 20% off for life plus a free Starter Kit (which includes a rechargeable frother and glass beaker), along with a 90-day money-back guarantee—so you can try it risk-free. Click here to use my link!

Have you read my latest book, Calm Your Mind with Food? Calm Your Mind with Food is a revolutionary full-body approach to relieving anxiety and includes anti-anxiety recipes and meal plan guidelines.

If you haven’t gotten your copy already, get yours here:

UK Edition

I am also excited to share my new companion workbook, The Mood Food Workbook, that was designed to work alongside, Calm Your Mind With Food, to help you put its recipes and principles into practice in a structured, supportive way. Click here to get my workbook today.

USA Today: Can dark chocolate lower cholesterol? I explain here.

Futura Sciences: Is everything we believe about healthy eating wrong?

Maria Shriver Sunday Paper: What is in my kitchen? Check it out here!

I am delighted that you are here

What I never put in my Picnic Basket

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