Ever have one of those days where the world seems to be crumbling all around you, or maybe just overwhelmed by a “to-do” list that appears to be growing faster than bamboo?
Managing stress and anxiety is becoming harder and harder in this time-crunched world. Sometimes it really is about the little things that help lift our moods and calm anxiety. Besides not forgetting to breathe deeply, laugh more and connect deeper with others, there are some delicious foods you may want to keep on hand for stress-management purposes. Foods high in B vitamins, such as magnesium, L-Theanine, tryptophan, zinc, omega 3, all help with calming the nervous system and balancing cortisol.
Say what? Allow me to simplify!
The Natural Nutrition De-Stressing & Calming Food Hit List
- Almonds, high in magnesium and zinc, are great stress-busters. It’s best to presoak ’em for a few hours or overnight for optimal digestion.
- Avocados are high in magnesium, potassium, Vitamin E and many, many other key nutrients. Avocados help prevent spikes in your blood-sugar levels, which can lead to mood swings.
- Blueberries are high in the antioxidant Anthocyanins, which assist the brain in making dopamine, a “pleasure” hormone.
- Dark Chocolate is also high in antioxidants, magnesium and other naturally occurring compounds that help boost your mood. One square a day may keep the blues away!
- Fermented Foods are high in probiotics, and happy gut equals happy life! Unbalanced intestinal bacteria (microbiome) can lead to a foggy brain. By improving your intestinal flora (both healthy yeast and bacteria), you also help improve the communication to your brain, which, in turn, helps improve your mood and lift that fog.
- Green Tea is high in L- theanine, an amino acid that can help manage stress because of its calming and relaxing effect—and without the side-effect of drowsiness! Move over, cup of joe, and make room for a warm cup of green tea! (TIP: Don’t add boiling water directly to green tea or it will leave a bitter taste.)
- Green Leafy Vegetables are rich in folate and vitamin C. Both are key for the running of a healthy nervous system.
- Maca (a root from the radish family) balances hormones across the board and can help lower cortisol levels naturally.
- Organic Turkey Breasts are high in tryptophan, an amino acid that is a great precursor for making serotonin. A good vegan choice would be pumpkins seeds.
- Wild Alaska Salmon is high in the animal-based Omega 3 fats, DHA and EPA. These good fats are essential to your nervous system and brain health.
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Mary McIntyre