1. Salmon
This fatty fish contains tremendous nutrients that are wonderful for several bodily functions, but they also are incredibly beneficical for your brain. Mills notes that it includes two nutrients in particular "that are really important for your brain health." Those nutrients are omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.
"Salmon is a really excellent source of both of those nutrients," she says.
Salmon makes a great base for an Asian-inspired bowl with edamame, brown rice, and cucumber, or it can be put atop a flavorful salad or served with a side of roasted vegetables and potatoes. The opportunities are endless.
2. Eggs
While they may be a little pricey these days, if you're looking to get in some extra protein and also fill your diet with some more brain-boosting foods, you may want to ensure you always have a carton of eggs in your fridge.
"Eggs are a great source of choline, which is another brain-boosting ingredient," says Mills.
Choline can help your brain regulate mood, memory, muscle control, and more, so getting it via natural sources like eggs is a super smart idea. You can make egg omelettes every day for breakfast, bring hard-boiled eggs on the go with you as a snack, and, in general, add more eggs to specific recipes every day.
3. Walnuts
Ever notice how walnuts look like tiny little brains? Well, it's a pretty neat coincidence from the planet, as they're one of the best nuts you can eat to benefit your brain and cognitive function. Plus, they're delicious, full of healthy fats, and protein.
"Another option for a food that's high in omega-3s is walnuts," explains Wills.
Walnuts are also easy to incorporate into your diet. Having a yogurt or oatmeal bowl for breakfast? Add a little handful of crushed walnuts on top. Baking banana bread? Throw a few into the batter. Need a mid-day snack? Enjoy a handful with some dried fruit. All of these are great, brain-friendly food options.
4. Carrots
Need a little extra crunch in your life? Ditch potato chips and crackers, and replace them with crisp, refreshing, crunchy carrots. Mills says that carrots are another food that's "high in antioxidants and phytonutrients" and have more beneficial nutrients for your brain than you may think. Everyone tends to talk about how good they can be for your eyes, but there's a lot more to them.
In her video, Mills picks up a bunch of multi-colored carrots, which are even better to eat, as they have "lots of different types of antioxidants." You can use a vegetable peeler to make a trendy shaved carrot salad, chop them up and add them to a soup, snack on them raw and dip them in hummus, and more. Once you get used to eating carrots over chips or something processed as a crunchy snack, your brain will thank you.