Eating Your Stress Goodbye: Nourishing Foods to Support a Calmer Mind & Body

When you’re feeling stressed, you may be tempted to reach for classic ‘comfort foods’ – usually foods that are laden with processed sugary, are very starchy, or overly greasy from seed oils. Although these foods can make you feel momentarily better, they will actually make you feel worse in the long run.

Regularly relying on foods with limited nutritional value can contribute to fatigue, energy fluctuations, and difficulty concentrating. All of this can lead to even more stress.

Foods that Fight Stress

So, if you’ve been feeling more stressed out than usual lately, it’s important to know which foods are best to choose and which to avoid when it comes to combating stress and helping you to deal with feelings of anxiety.

Filling up on fats and proteins is the best way to ensure that your body gets the optimum amounts of nutrients to fight both physical and mental health problems. When it comes to choosing the foods to eat, some have a range of great properties which help the body to combat stress. Choosing these stress-busting foods will help to heal and calm your mind permanently, rather than providing a temporary fix.

Some of the best stress-fighting foods include:

• Avocado – Avocados are a creamy and versatile fruit you can eat in a range of different ways - raw, made into sauces, dressings and dips, or in a smoothie. They are high glutathione content which specifically blocks the intestinal absorption of certain fats that cause oxidative damage. Avocados also contain higher levels of vitamin E, folate, and beta-carotene than any other fruit, which boosts their stress-busting properties.

• Blueberries – If you’re feeling stressed out and reaching for the snacks, swapping chips for one of the best superfoods is a great way to help you deal with your stress levels and achieve a higher level of calm. Blueberries have some of the highest levels of antioxidants, especially antho-cyanin, which means that this berry has been linked to a wide range of health benefits including sharper cognition, better focus, and a clearer mind – all of which can help you to better deal with stress.

• Walnuts – If you’re looking for a healthy snacking option that will help you to stay better in control of your stress levels, walnuts are a great choice. A versatile nut, walnuts are great on their own or in salads.

• Chamomile Tea – Of course, it’s not all about what you’re eating when it comes to managing stress; what you’re drinking can also alleviate or worsen the stress you're feeling. Drinking liquids high in sugars and caffeine, such as energy drinks or soda, can actually increase your stress levels. Chamomile tea has long been used as a natural soother, and it has also been used in clinical trials, which determined it is effective in reducing the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.

• Dark Chocolate – Although it’s usually seen as an unhealthy treat, there is an undeniable link between chocolate and our mood, especially dark chocolate. Studies have shown that eating chocolate can actually make you happier. However, that doesn’t mean that you can start munching on candy bars every time you're stressed out – chocolate works best as a de-stressor when you choose something with very few ingredients and eat it in moderation. Dark chocolate contains more flavonols and polyphenols, two hugely important antioxidants which can help combat stress.

• Beef – Grass-fed beef is not only kinder to the planet and to animals, it’s also good for people, too. Grass-fed beef has a huge range of antioxidants, including beta-carotene and Vitamins C and E, which can help your body to fight stress and anxiety.

• Fermented foods – Last but not least, eating fermented foods such as yogurt can help to keep your gut healthy, which actually in turn will help to improve your mental health and reduce stress levels. The beneficial bacteria which are found in fermented foods such as yogurt actually have a direct effect on your brain chemistry and transmit positive mood and behavior regulating signals to your brain via the vagus nerve.

Putting It All Together

Planning your meals wisely is key to not only staying physically fit and healthy, but also to staying mentally strong and being able to best manage your levels of stress.

If you need something quick for breakfast or a snack, try adding fresh blueberries, dark chocolate, and walnuts to plain yogurt.

The foods you choose can play an important role in how you feel, how you think, and how well you navigate life's challenges. Start by adding more nutrient-dense foods to your meals, paying attention to how your body responds, and giving yourself grace along the way. True wellness isn't built overnight, and it certainly isn't built on perfection. It's found in the small, consistent ways you choose to care for yourself, one nourishing bite at a time.

What's one nourishing food or comforting ritual you turn to when life feels a little overwhelming? 💜🌿

Yours in joy & wellness,

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DISCLAIMER:

This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.

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