Ramsey touts the importance of high-quality seafood. “It’s a great protein source, and it’s great for your brain.” Specifically, he notes wild salmon, anchovies, and sardines: Salmon, as you may know, contains omega-3’s—research shows that these fatty acids can decrease stress, and another study found that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids can even help promote a healthy emotional balance and positive mood.
Anchovies and sardines also contain those precious omega-3’s, especially if they’re preserved in high-quality olive oil. Plus, smaller tinned fish are quite rich in protein, as well as vitamins B12, D and A.
“There are a lot of different ways to prepare and enjoy seafood,” Ramsey notes. He’s partial to a sardine gnocchi (a dish he calls Gnocchi à la Glenda, according to the Aspen Brain Institute). In a cast-iron skillet, he coats cooked potato gnocchi with garlic-steeped olive oil, lemon zest, pine nuts, tinned sardines and tomato sauce. “I’ve been dishing that out a lot in our house,” he tells us.