Superfoods that Squash Stress

Life has a way of getting the best of us some days. Whether it’s working too many hours, shuffling your kids all over town for their activities, taking care of your household, or dealing with personal or family matters, stress can take its toll on you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. But there are simple steps you can take to combat stress, starting with the foods you eat.

Foods to Avoid for Stress

Avoiding caffeine and alcohol is a good start when life’s particularly stressful. Stimulants and depressants like these can both zap your energy and rob you of the fuel you need to successfully cope with tension. If you would rather have your everyday cuppa, try these tips to make your coffee healthier.

Sugary foods should also be avoided as well, as they cause your blood sugar levels to spike then dip rapidly, which can in turn make your energy levels spike and dip at the same rate.

Foods that Reduce Stress

However, there are several superfoods out there that provide you with the energy and nutrition your body needs to keep stress in check.

Asparagus, which is high in folic acid, can help level out your moods. Folic acid and vitamin B are key players in producing serotonin, a chemical that gets you into a good mood.

And though we may hear negative things regarding red meat, it’s actually a wise dinner option for a stressed-out family. Beef’s high levels of iron, zinc and B vitamins not only help get you into a good mood, but help you stay there as well. Your local butcher can help you select lean cuts for the healthiest options

Milk really does a body good. Chock full of calcium, protein, antioxidants, and vitamins B2 and B12, it helps strengthen bones and promotes healthy cell regeneration. Paired with a healthy whole-grain cereal choice in the morning, low-fat milk is a great way to start your day and arm yourself to do battle with the stressors that await you. Cottage cheese is also another great dairy choice, and when coupled with a fruit that’s high in vitamin C, it helps the body battle free radicals that run rampant during your most stressed periods.

Almonds are also an awesome choice when it comes to arming yourself against stress. They’re high in magnesium, zinc, as well as vitamins B2, C, and E and unsaturated fats, all which are great warriors against free radicals, which have been shown to cause cancers and heart disease.

Chamomile Tea is known for its soothing and calming effects. Have some before going to bed. And you can it beyond the cup and into the bathroom. Adding chamomile oil or dried flowers to your bath water also helps relax.

Other Foods that are Known to Reduce Stress

Papaya

Nuts

Pistachios

Yogurt

Shrimp

Salmon

Blueberries

Bananas

Oatmeal

Spinach and other Greens

Legumes

Avocados

Sweet Potatoes

These foods are only one way to manage stress. Living a holistic lifestyle which includes a healthy diet, is the best way to keep stress at bay. Prioritize, and mark as important those tasks that will help you reduce stress and turn your stress into positive energy.