Yes, you can eat stress away with these Stress Reducing Foods
Stress can lead to all kinds of physical ailments. These ailments include heart disease, stomach disorders, and mental health. We cannot always control the stresses around us. However, we can control how we react to them. Our food choices matter!
Foods that Stress the Body
- Omega 6
An imbalance of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids in the body lead to low energy and inflammation. Omega 6 fatty acids are found in fried foods. While our bodies need some omega 6 fatty acids, we often consume too much. A healthy balance is critical to a strong immune system and healthy body.
- Sugar
Added sugar and foods high in sugar are one of the leading causes of stress on the body. Some of the biggest added sugar culprits include: muffins, packaged breads, snacks, juices.
- Excess refined carbohydratesThose white carbohydrates we’ve been discussing for years add stress on the body. Think refined white bread, white baking potatoes, traditional bagels.
- FEELING BLOATED AND OUT OF SHAPE? The Bikini Chef Diet is a comprehensive plan to help you lose weight and feel your best!
Foods that Relieve Stress
According to research, there are plenty of tasty foods out there that will help relieve stress. So the next time you’re stuck in traffic, the boss is riding you about your latest project or the kids are running wild, just grab a big ol’ bowl of lutein, zea-xanthin, carotenes, and crypto-xanthins! In layman’s terms you could just grab some asparagus and some of these other stress reducing foods.
Asparagus
Contain many B vitamins and folic acid. These minerals are necessary when producing the ‘good mood’ chemical in your body, called serotonin. This is the chemical where happy feelings come from.
Cantaloupe
This fruit is filled with vitamin C, which has been proven to reduce your stress level.
Seaweed
That salmon roll will definitely help! It is packed with anti-stress elements such as magnesium. Tip: try your next roll with brown rice instead of white to boost up your complex carbohydrate intake.
Avocados
Containing more potassium than a banana! Combine this with its healthy fat content and you got one stress reducing power house!
Salmon, Fish
Salmon and most fish contain omega 3 fatty acids that promote healthy skin, hair, and heart health. Most of my followers know that I eat salmon every single day. My dog, Homer, eats salmon several times a day instead of store-bought dog treats.
Matcha Powder
Green tea extract is one of the most proven stress-relievers. Add to smoothies, protein balls, cereals, and more!
Swiss Chard
This delicious green contains magnesium. Magnesium plays a significant role in how the body responds to stress. Other foods rich in magnesium: pumpkin seeds, cashews, black beans
Sweet Potatoes
Choose these vitamin-c filled and beta-carotene packed potato over white baking potatoes for a stress-relieving boost
Kimchi
Kimchi and other fermented foods balance gut health. Since stress is often held in the gut, a balanced tummy is essential to good health and relaxation.
Artichokes
Another magnesium-rich food that is also high in vitamin C and K promoting a healthy stress response
Liver
Liver is particularly high in B vitamins. B12 helps the body manage stress and mood.
Eggs
Eggs contain choline which is good for brain health and stress response.
Fresh Cherries
Cherries are a natural resource for melatonin. Eat a handful of cherries about 45 minutes before bedtime to help promote restful sleep.
A few more Stress Reducing Foods to add to your shopping list:
- Tahini (sesame seeds)
- Garlic
- Parsley, Cilantro
- Broccoli (a personal fave)
- Blueberries
- Chamomile Tea
Enjoy this quick, easy, stress-reducing recipe for Oven Roasted Asparagus!
Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 90.1
Fat: 5.4g
Saturated fat: 0.7g
Carbohydrates: 10.1g
Protein: 2.7g
Fiber: 3.3g
Sodium: 21.5mg
And, this recipe packs over 354mg of potassium!
