Interview with Dr. Uma Naidoo

Dr. Uma Naidoo is the MoodFoodMD, a Harvard trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef and nutritional biologist, instructor @MasterClass and author of “Calm your Mind with Food”, and the national & international bestseller: “This is Your Brain on Food.”

Daily Dose – What sparked your interest in the relationship between nutrition and mental health?

Dr. Uma Naidoo – Food and healthy eating have been an integral part of my life since childhood as I grew up cooking with my grandmother. The link between nutrition and mental health became clear during my medical training as I observed that we were being taught psychopharmacology in a silo. In other words, we were not taught to counsel patients about how to cioe with the side effects of medications, such as weight gain. This was further emphasized in psychiatry as so many lifesaving medications also have devastating side effects.

As I saw patients struggling with their mental fitness and overall health. I began to wonder and ask about their diet and lifestyle. This led me to recommend food, lifestyle and exercise “prescriptions” in conjunction with traditional psychiatric care. I began to see so many of my patients improving their symptoms with this integrated and holistic approach.

Daily Dose – What motivated you to develop a meal plan focused on mood-boosting ingredients?

Dr. Uma Naidoo – In my work as a Nutritional Psychiatrist, I focus on 3 key areas: nutrition, lifestyle and metabolic health. I have long been asked for specific dietary recommendations, a so-called food prescription. We know there are barriers such as time and access even though many of us are trying to eat healthy. This prevents many individuals from being able to take the recommendations from my books and cook three brain healthy meals per day. I realized that developing a meal plan that brings delicious and nutritious meals right to people’s doors was a way of meeting people where they are at and providing real life tools to support mental fitness through food.

Daily Dose – Can you explain the science behind how certain foods can impact our mood and mental health?

Dr. Uma Naidoo – The microbiome and gut brain connection are the foundation of this relationship. Whole, nutrient dense foods nurture the microbiome and promote a healthy, flourishing gut environment. This microbiome wellness is then translated to the brain for reduced stress, improved mood and optimal cognition. Similarly, the brain relies on the many vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and antioxidants found in whole foods to function appropriately. However, when we consume processed, artificial or sugary foods, the balance of the microbiome is disrupted as the bad bacteria take over. This creates an inflamed environment that, when conveyed to the brain, leads to neuroinflammation which can dampen mood, elevate stress and, over time, may even support neurodegenerative diseases. Similarly, many of these ultra processed foods are deficient in healthy nutrients so our bodies are not absorbing what they need to thrive.

Daily Dose – How did you go about selecting the ingredients for the Mood + Food Meal Plan?

Dr. Uma Naidoo – The ingredients in this meal plan focus on whole, unprocessed foods that contain many of the key nutrients for supporting mental wellbeing. In my books, This is Your Brain on Food and Calm Your Mind with Food, I added both the research and the recipes. Mood + Food Meals brings this research to life and helps people eat chef prepared meals in their own homes.  Best of all, research has proven time and again that these foods are beneficial to mood, anxiety and cognition.

Daily Dose – What are some of the key ingredients in your meal plan, and what mood-boosting benefits do they offer?

Dr. Uma Naidoo – This meal plan includes a diverse array of fiber rich plant foods which help to promote an abundance of good bacteria in the gut, and also are rich sources of polyphenols and antioxidants that help to reverse the damaging effects of oxidative stress in the brain. Paired with these are the healthy fats, complex lower glycemic carbs and clean proteins –like seafood, eggs, legumes, tofu, poultry and beef which promote satiety and provide the body with many important nutrients like vitamins A, B & D, choline, iron, omega-3 fatty acids and the essential amino acids which support brain tissue and neurotransmitter function. Healthy fats like EVOO, avocado oil, as well as an abundance of herbs and spices, contain anti-inflammatory phytonutrients for reduced neuro-inflammation and healthy brains as individuals age.

Daily Dose – How are the meals structured to ensure they provide balanced nutrition while also promoting mental well-being?

Dr. Uma Naidoo – The meals in the plan are all structured in a way that you will be getting a balance of brain healthy proteins, fats and complex carbohydrates, along with delicious flavor. The meals are intended to be easy to eat at home, at work, school, college or even for travel. Sustainable packaging makes these easy to transport in a lunch bag, store in your college mini-fridge, or heat and eat right at home. As a trained chef, I paired the ingredients in a way that ensured each meal is just as sumptuous as it is nutritious!

Daily Dose – Can you give an example of a typical day on the Mood + Food Meal Plan?

Dr. Uma Naidoo – On this meal plan, consumers will get three meals per day, each of which contains a clean source of protein, lots of plants and a bit of healthy fat along with a complex low glycemic carb. They are designed to promote satiety and blood sugar balance so that individuals stay energized until the next meal or healthy snack. Some feedback from the great testimonials we have received, suggested that some meals can be eaten as a half portion for lunch and the other half for dinner. You will not only save time and money from not spending on groceries for meal prep, but also have food for several meals during the week to keep your brain and body sharp and healthy.

Daily Dose – Besides boosted mood, what other benefits will someone have on this meal plan? 

Dr. Uma Naidoo – Through this meal plan, individuals are intended to experience a balanced joyful mood, reduced stress, and better focus, sleep, memory and energy. They will also reap the benefits of reduced inflammation and reduced risk of cognitive decline, as well as improved gut health.

Daily Dose – What is your favorite dish from the Mood + Food Meal Plan?

Dr. Uma Naidoo – For me I tend to struggle with breakfast the most and am often trying to find options beyond my favorite chia pudding! So the breakfast option of the Chickpea Flour Frittata, Asparagus, Spring Onion, Peas, Nutty Bread is a favorite that I honestly can eat at any meal! Flavorful, filling and brain healthy – it’s an all-around winner.