Foods That Ease/Prevent Stress
The saying "food is medicine" has NEVER been truer when it comes to stress!
If you're stressin' lately, or feeling like you've been eating unhealthy foods, it might help to know that some healthy foods can actually FIGHT that stress! That's a pretty good incentive, right?
Here are some yummy foods that all help fight those stress hormones, and now that I think about it...would be AMAZING all together in a smoothie!
Spinach
Diets that are low in magnesium have been found to increase anxiety-related behaviors. Foods that are naturally rich in magnesium, like spinach, typically help you feel a bit calmer. Another benefit to spinach is that it has higher levels of folate. The production of dopamine in the brain, aka the feelings-of-wellbeing-hormone, depend on folate — which spinach has lots of!
Blueberries
Blueberries are associated with a TON of health benefits, including being in a better mood (which everyone around us can benefit from). These berries are rich in antioxidants that have powerful anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. They can help reduce stress related inflammation. When we're stressed, our bodies work super hard to stay protected. Blueberries also have a ton of vitamin C which helps protect and repair our cells, and can even reduce feelings of anxiety.
Avocado
Avocado contains omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy essential fatty acids are known to reduce stress and anxiety, boost concentration, and improve mood. Avocado also has a ton of B vitamins, and studies show a lack of vitamin B can lead to higher levels of anxiety. So go "B" basic and make you some avocado toast.
Yogurt
Whether you want to believe it or not, the bacteria in your gut could be contributing to your stress! Through little chemical signals throughout your body, your gut and brain are able to communicate with each other, which is why stress can inflame gastrointestinal symptoms (aka bloating!!!). Consuming natural probiotics that are found in yogurt can help boost the immune system, protect against harmful bacteria, and improve digestion and absorption of nutrients. Yogurt is also naturally full of protein and calcium (& you can make it a nice treat as well), so you can’t really go wrong by adding more of it into your diet!
Nuts
Stress runs you down and leaves your body open and more prone to sickness. Zinc is an essential mineral for us to consume, AND it may help reduce anxiety. No zinc, mo stress. Nuts such as almonds, cashews, & pistachios have higher levels of zinc (especially cashews), which can temporarily inhibit cortisol production (cortisol = our stress hormone). Zinc also affects the levels of a nerve chemical that influences mood.
Oatmeal
If you’re a carb lover (like me), all you want to go for when stress hits is that beautiful looking doughnut. This isn’t surprising because carbs can help the brain produce serotonin. Instead of reaching for the sugar-filled jelly doughnut, go for your complex carbs (aka oatmeal). Oats can BOOST our serotonin levels! And not just because oatmeal topped with all the toppings is something I personally look forward to, but because oats contain tryptophan, which converts into serotonin.
Dark chocolate
Last but not least, and maybe even obvious to some, is dark chocolate. Dark chocolate can reduce stress in 2 ways — via its chemical impact and its emotional impact. It feels like such an indulgence that it can be a real treat to simply savor a piece of it, & that feeling alone can reduce stress. Dark chocolate, which is rich in antioxidants, can lower stress hormones AND inflammation, plus it can improve memory, immunity and mood — so it's basically a must-have in your pantry at all times!
Next time you hit the grocery store, I hope you get yourself some of these natural (and delish) stress relievers!
PS: Pick up a bath bomb and some wine for extra stress relief too because why not
