Unwind with these Healthy Foods
Feeling a little stressed lately? What I’d like to share with you today is that I’ve learned over the years that the food you eat affects more than just your weight and fitness…
What you eat also has a big impact on your anxiety and stress levels. I’ve been surprised by just how much of an impact it can have, but once you do a little research and clear up your grocery list, you can totally relax with just a few simple food choices.
This list is based on a little food science as well as my own personal experiences plus the feedback from my clients, so you’re getting real practical information you can hopefully use to your benefit.
Ok, now let’s get down to business and get serious about food and stress…
Top 10 Foods to Fight Stress and Anxiety
Asparagus
This hearty and healthy vegetable makes for the perfect dinner side dish – and it can also boost your mood thanks to the high folate content. I like this one either steamed or roasted, and a bit of lemon juice goes really well.
Avocado
I’ve talked up avocados a lot lately because of their high protein and healthy fat content, but they’re high in a lot of other vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, that will totally ease your stressful days.
Blueberries
A classic superfood, blueberries contain a ton of antioxidants to boost health and help you fight stress. Some of those antioxidants have even been linked to better mental performance.
Cashews
All nuts offer health benefits of some kind, but thanks to their high zinc content, cashews are especially great for fighting anxiety and depression. Plus the healthy fats will boost brain function.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants, as you’ve probably heard. But many of those antioxidants have been shown to increase serotonin and endorphin levels, which can seriously lower feelings of depression and stress.
Garlic
A day hardly goes by that I don’t cook with garlic. Not only is it an awesome immune boosters, it’s also high in antioxidants that can reduce the impact of stress on your body over time. And this means you’ll be better equipped to handle stress when it happens.
Green Tea
If you’re looking for a little pick-me-up that also improves your brain health, try replacing your morning coffee with green tea. It contains certain amino acids that appear to be great mental enhancers.
For a serious stress fighter and pick-me-up, try Green Foods Matcha Green Tea.
Oatmeal
There’s a lot of research demonstrating the mental health benefits of complex carbohydrates. Oatmeal is probably one of your best options, as it’s also high in fiber and will keep your energy levels up through the day.
Oranges
It’s the Vitamin C in these guys that can really help with fighting stress and anxiety. And oranges are easily portable, so they’re super convenient.
Walnuts
If memory is your stress-related problem, try eating more walnuts. They’ve been shown to be high in certain essential omega-3 fatty acids that boost memory and overall mental health (klonopin).
BONUS Stress-Fighting Food
Need one more? Try adding Nutiva Organic Chia Seeds to your morning smoothies or lunch-time salads. They’re high in healthy fatty acids and other nutrients that totally help boost your mood.
Have any questions or feedback about these 10 Foods to Ease Anxiety and Stress? Please leave a comment below…
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Thank you for visiting! Weight Loss and Training is a health blog which features all the best weight loss tips that I have learned over my 20 years of training. My background includes a degree in Kinesiology from the world renown Simon Fraser University, certification in nutritional sciences from UBC, and Personal Trainer Specialist certification from Can Fit Pro.