by Kendra Cesaratto – December 7 – Stress Reducing Foods
When I find myself feeling tired and on the verge of a cold, I amp up vitamins, sleep and try to keep stress at bay. The holidays were a busy time, our family’s plans are adding up and the days are full. Not to mention balancing home life and chores. I started researching ways to keep calm and eating healthier to promote a better state of mind and came across some insightful articles. With a focus on daily food, it is possible to energize our bodies with the right choices. It’s simple and most of these are currently in our kitchens! Thanks to the Food Network and the Lyons Share, I have combined the top foods that help reduce stress and increase health. Cheers to being calm, collected and feeling great!
ALMONDS & PISTACHIOS
Zinc to boost immune system & vitamin E to fight free radicals associated with stress
ASPARAGUS
Folic acid to stabilize mood
AVOCADO
Potassium to prevent insomnia, nervousness and depression
BANANA
Loaded with potassium which helps keep blood pressure low and magnesium to help you relax
BROCCOLI AND SPINACH
Vitamin B and iron to act as mood stabilizers
CARROTS
Munching on crunchy foods such as carrots and celery help beat stress. Nutrient-rich fresh veggies are the perfect snack
CHOCOLATE
Bonus! Wow this is exciting- Dark chocolate may lower levels of stress hormones. It also contains sugar (a carbohydrate) so it releases mood-improving serotonin. Indulge, just keep the portions minimal
FATTY FISH
Heart-healthy omega-3 fats in fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna manage adrenaline levels to help keep you calm, reduce anxiety and inflammation. Vitamins B6 and B12 also help calm nerves and magnesium to relax
MILK
Drinking milk at bedtime can help for a more restful sleep. The B vitamins, protein and vitamin D are bone-building calcium to relieve tense muscles
OATMEAL
Vitamin E to fight free radicals associated with stress ans zinc to improve immune system
ORANGES
Did you know just by smelling an orange or eating it, can lower your stress by 70%. As we know, vitamin C is the perfect aid in boosting our immune system which weakens under stress
SWISS CHARD
Who knew? The magnesium in Swiss Chard and other leafy veggies helps balance the body’s stress hormone, cortisol
TEA
The aromatic tea works well to boost your mood, reduce stress and relieves you from anxiety. Drinking peppermint tea with help calm especially since it’s caffeine free, which is wonderful before going to bed. Tea can also help balance stress hormones like cortisol
WHOLE-WHEAT PRETZELS
What a surprise! These whole-grain snacks will make you feel fuller from the fiber and the carbohydrates offer an energy boost and trigger the feel-good chemical serotonin
YOGURT
Vitamin B is a mood stabilizer, calcium helps regulate the nerves and Researchers found that probiotic bacteria found in yogurt may help treat depression.
