Clean Eating for Parkinson's Part 2: Mindful Choices and Flavorful Solutions

Check-In: Building Ingredient Awareness

In the previous post, you might have set a clean eating intention—maybe you tried reading a label, swapped out a snack, or just paid a bit more attention to what’s in your food. Was there anything on an ingredient list that surprised you? Did you notice any dyes, preservatives, or added sugars that you hadn’t seen before?

If something caught your eye or made you curious, make a note in your Parkinson’s notebook or share it in the comments. Simply noticing these details is a big step toward making more informed choices.

Overcoming Common Barriers

Change isn’t always easy, especially with PD. If you felt resistance—fatigue, overwhelm, or uncertainty—know that’s normal. Reflect on where the resistance is coming from and explore simpler solutions.  For example, if dinner feels too hard to change, start with breakfast or a snack.  If you need to reach for processed foods, try choosing those with healthier ingredients. 

People are often worried that eating clean will be more expensive but it doesn’t have to be.  Skipping the fun/convenience food aisle and choosing frozen veggies or fruits instead of canned can actually save money and support better outcomes for PD.

Navigating Taste Changes

Many people with Parkinson’s notice changes in their sense of taste or smell—sometimes food just doesn’t taste the way it used to, and that can be frustrating or discouraging. If this is your experience, you’re not alone. To further complicate things, processed foods often ramp up flavor with salt and sugar, which is boring for your taste buds.  Instead, experiment with natural ways to boost both flavor and nutrition:

                  •               Herbs and spices (like basil, rosemary, cumin, chili powder)

                  •               Citrus (lemon or lime juice and zest)

                  •               Vinegars (balsamic, apple cider)

                  •               Aromatics (garlic, ginger, scallions, onions)

These additions can make meals more interesting and add valuable antioxidants and phytonutrients that support brain health. Add these to the processed foods you are eating as well!  Fresh is best but dried or jarred work too.  If taste is still a challenge, try focusing on texture, temperature, and color for variety and enjoyment. Remember, even small changes can help you discover new ways to nourish yourself, and it’s okay if your preferences shift over time.

Try This: Food Detective Challenge

This week, look up one or more packaged foods in the EWG Food Scores database. What did you learn? Did it change how you feel about that food? Share your discovery in the comment. If you tried a new swap or noticed a positive change, let the community know—your experience can inspire others.

Clean eating with Parkinson’s is about progress, not perfection. Keep making small, meaningful changes and notice how your body responds. If you have questions or want more support, reach out or join the conversation below. You’re not alone on this journey!

Until next time – wishing you peace, love, and veggies.

Carolee