Regain control over your stress levels before they control you. It starts with what you eat!
We all get stressed from time to time. Unfortunately, this powerful emotion can have destructive effects on your body. The anxiety from stress triggers your hormones to behave in different ways. Shoving your stress under the rug like it doesn’t exist will only make it worse. The good news is you can eat to beat stress! We don’t mean turning to comfort food and mindlessly guzzling down mac & cheese and brownies. Certain foods have calming properties and the ability to lower anxiety levels. They’re also highly nutritious.
Here at Skinny Ms., we’ve compiled 7 Foods that Combat Stress. These superfoods regulate your emotions, relax your muscles, and stabilize your hormones. So next time you feel like life is crashing down on you, make a meal out of one of these stress-fighting foods or enjoy solo!
1. Asparagus
Asparagus is rich, delicious, and helps you chill out on the days you’re feeling, well, the total opposite of chill. Green vegetables like asparagus boast countless health benefits, but the key to their calming capabilities lies in B vitamins. These nutrients are essential for regulating emotions, lowering anxiety, and fighting off depression. A serving of these fleshy green spears delivers a substantial amount of B vitamins, along with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
For recipe ideas featuring the prized plant, check out Asparagus Recipes Archives. To learn more about what makes asparagus awesome, read 3 Reasons to Appreciate Asparagus.
2. Blood Oranges
The name might have a spooky ring to it, but we promise that these tasty citrus fruits only have helpful qualities. Blood oranges are full of vitamin C, containing a higher amount of the essential vitamin than their bloodless counterparts. Foods with high doses of vitamin C lower blood pressure and reduce concentrations of cortisol, the stress hormone. Kick back, prop your feet up, and peel yourself one of these fabulous fruits.
For a tasty treat that’ll calm nerves and satisfy a sweet tooth, check out this Blood Oranges in Simple Syrup with Walnuts recipe.
3. Milk
A glass of milk is the perfect remedy when you’re feeling physically anxious and fidgety. Milk contains the protein lactium, which lowers blood pressure and has a calming effect on your system. It contains substantial amounts of potassium that can relieve stressed muscles and tension. Pour yourself a glass to ward off anxiety!
4. Almonds
Stress takes a toll on your immune system. Combat this by munching on a few almonds! Almonds are an ideal stress-relief snack because of their amazing health benefits. They contain high amounts of vitamin B2 and E, which lower anxiety levels. These nutritious nuts also boost your immune system. Whip up this delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Almond Oatmeal for a yummy way to add the crunchy delight to your diet.
5. Salmon
A little salmon on a stressful day might be all you need to reduce your anxiety levels. Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids that can completely reverse stress symptoms. These nutrients boost serotonin levels and lower anxiety hormones like cortisol. You’ll finally regain control of your emotions and return to your productive, stress-free self. For more reasons why you should add the fabulous fish to your diet, read 4 Ways that Wild Caught Salmon is Wonderful for your Health.
6. Oatmeal
A warm bowl of oatmeal soothes the soul, comforts the tummy, and induces feelings of tranquility. The timeless breakfast food stimulates production of serotonin thanks to its nutrient-rich complex carbs, which have a powerful calming effect on your system. Oats are a slow-digesting food that your body takes time to absorb. Because of this, their stress-fighting effects last longer.
7. Walnuts
There’s a host of reasons for you to befriend the wonderful walnut. One of them is its powerful ability to lower high blood pressure and keep your blood pressure levels stable. If you’re prone to stress, you might have higher levels of adrenaline and anxiety than others, which can wreak havoc over time. Avoid this by munching on some walnuts here and there. They’ll do your heart and system a favor.
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