Feeling more stressed than usual? The problem could be your diet. Here are 5 healthy anti-stress foods to help calm stress and anxiety.

Living a modern, dynamic lifestyle with so many commitments, responsibilities and to-do lists can easily lead to chronic stress. Stress does a lot of mental and physical damage, so many people seek comfort in chocolate, ice cream or junk food in an attempt to feel better.

But the opposite is true. In fact, 33% of adults in the United States have reached for unhealthy foods when feeling stressed and 49% feel bad about themselves after doing so.
Luckily, there are foods that can make you feel better, happier and less stressed. You can snack on them or use them to prepare meals, and they will make you feel better than any junk food out there.

Keep reading to discover the best anti-stress foods for reducing stress and anxiety.

The Best Anti-Stress Foods for Reducing Stress:

1. Avocados

Avocados have a strange reputation among healthy foods because of their high-fat content. But the fats in avocados are monounsaturated, which means they’ll convert to energy that your body will use instead of storing as fat.

But avocados also contain an array of nutrients. For example, the B group of vitamins help your nervous system function properly. At the same time, eating half an avocado in a salad can help you feel fuller longer, so you won’t reach for unhealthy food choices.

2. Nuts

Most of us love nuts in cakes and desserts. But did you know that eating a handful of different nuts every day can reduce stress and anxiety? Pistachios, walnuts, cashews, and almonds are all rich in vitamin B, responsible for the good functioning of your nerve endings. Besides, nuts contain healthy fats that keep you satisfied and prevent overeating.

3. Salmon

One of the healthiest fish on the market is wild-caught salmon. It’s excellent for reducing stress due to it being rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Eating salmon at least twice a week can help you handle stressful situations better and increase your sense of well-being. In fact, one 3oz serving of salmon contains around 2,000 mg of omega-3s, which is more than the recommended daily dosage.

4. Dark Chocolate

Good news for dessert lovers: dark chocolate (in moderate amounts) is a great choice for combating stress.
Most people tend to eat something sweet when under stress, but we all know that milk chocolate, ice cream, and other desserts are loaded with refined sugar. And while they may lift your mood for a minute, the effects don’t last long.

The compound in dark chocolate that boosts your mood is called anandamide and helps your body deal with stress better.
Although dark chocolate contains less sugar than its milk counterpart, there are sugar-free options on the market as well.

5. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a wonderful way to start your day on the right foot with the right nutrients and healthy carbs. But its special powers lie in its ability to reduce stress and anxiety because oats are considered complex carbs that won’t spike your blood sugar. This, in return, will help your brain release serotonin (the good mood hormone).

Conclusion

Although stress is a constant companion in our daily lives, it doesn’t mean we should let it control our mood. Many people eat under stress and if you’re one of them, you can switch up the burgers for anti-stress foods that are also healthy and good for you. If you have any health-related questions, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to answer them.