Sharpen Your Mind with Superfoods

Purpose of the Activity

This activity is designed to empower residents with practical knowledge about how nutrition can support cognitive health and overall wellness. The primary goals are to educate residents on the MIND diet in an accessible way, provide a positive social experience centered around healthy living, and inspire them to incorporate simple, brain-healthy foods into their daily routines. It fosters a sense of community through shared learning and sensory engagement.

Materials Needed

For the Presentation:
A whiteboard or large flip chart paper.
Dry-erase markers or colored markers.
Handouts with a simple overview of the 10 brain-healthy food groups from the MIND diet (e.g., Green leafy vegetables, Berries, Nuts, Olive oil, etc.) and the smoothie recipe.
Pens or pencils for residents.

For the Smoothie Tasting:
A high-powered blender.
An extension cord and access to a power outlet.
A cutting board and knife for prepping fruit.
All smoothie ingredients, pre-measured if possible: fresh spinach, frozen mixed berries, banana, walnuts or flaxseed, and unsweetened almond milk (or another milk of choice).
Small (3-4 ounce) disposable cups for tasting.
Napkins.
A serving tray to distribute samples.
A pitcher of water.

For Setup:
Tables and chairs arranged to allow for comfortable viewing and discussion (a U-shape is often effective).
A designated table for the demonstration station.
Tablecloths for a pleasant atmosphere.

Estimated Duration

45-60 minutes

Ideal Group Size

8-15 residents. This size is large enough for a lively discussion but small enough that everyone feels comfortable participating and can be served easily.