De-Stress By… Eating!

In a previous post, we talked about simple ways to de-stress without so much as leaving the confines of your office (of course, if you can swing it, get out and go for a walk! A little fresh air can do wonders for anxiety).

Today, I thought we could talk about preventing and “treating” stress with food. And no, I’m not talking about emotional eating—something we do in response to stress. I’m talking about healthy foods that you can incorporate into your diet on a regular basis to help promote overall relaxation 24/7. Sounds good, right? I thought so too.

So without further ado, allow me to introduce you to 10 foods that you should be eating to promote relaxation, health, and an overall sense of “ahhhh.”

1) Asparagus: This green veggie is high in folic acid, which can help stabilize your mood.

2) Milk: Milk is high in antioxidants and vitamins B2 and B12, as well as protein and calcium.

3) Beef: Beef contains high levels of zinc, iron, and B vitamins, which are also known to help stabilize your mood.

4) Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium—it will keep you fuller longer and won’t spike your blood pressure which can stress you out. Mix it with fruit that is high in vitamin C like oranges or strawberries and you’ll have a stress-busting snack or breakfast.

5) Almonds: A good source of Vitamin B2 and E as well as magnesium and zinc, almonds are high in fat, but most of the fat is unsaturated. Like vitamin C, vitamin E has been shown to fight the free radicals associated with stress, and in particular, those free radicals that cause heart disease.

6) Tuna: A great lunch option, tuna is high in stress-fighting vitamins B6 and B12.

7) Blueberries: Very rich in antioxidants, blueberries offer a high-fiber, low-calorie fruit option that is also rich in stress-fighting vitamin C.

8) Crispy Rice Cereal: Although they aren’t low in sugar, cornflakes and crispy rice cereal are fortified with B vitamins and folic acid to help reduce stress.

Next time you’re feeling stressed out, it might be a good idea to take a look at your level of activity and your diet. By switching to a standing or adjustable height desk you’ll burn calories and get rid of the excess energy associated with stress, and by adding these healthy options into your diet, you’ll be well on your way to bliss.

Remember, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”  – Hippocrates

What foods do you incorporate into your diet to help de-stress?