I think we can all agree life has been stressful.
Rafael often reminds me that everyone of us carry a bag, some may be more visible or heavier than others, but everyone carries something whether we see it or not.
Between the pandemic, politics, and our own personal bags, I think it’s an understatement to say that we’re all stressed to our max regardless of our point of view.
Yesterday was my birthday and as my sweet friends & family sent me “happy birthday wishes” it was honestly hard for me to think of it as a happy day. Today, as I struggled to gain composure after witnessing the events of yesterday an article popped up about certain foods that relieve stress.
Wow! Really? Sign me up!
It turned out I was actually eating two of them at the time…yogurt and oats. I guess my body knew better than I did. So, I did more reading and found several articles about it.
It turns out that a diet full of fruits, veggies, and whole foods can help us be better in body AND mind. But what’s fascinating is HOW they do it.
Here’s 12 foods that health and nutrition experts agree help relieve stress in very real, functional ways:
- Avocado & Bananas are loaded with potassium which is a mineral that keeps our blood pressure low.
- Matcha and other green teas contain amino acids that reduce stress hormones to be released in our bodies.
- Dark, leafy greens like spinach and swiss chard are full of folate and magnesium that keep our stress hormones balanced.
- Munching raw crunchy vegetables help ease stress in a basic way…kinda like punching a pillow!
- Salmon & Tuna contain the omega-3 fats that help keep our adrenal systems from going into overload.
- Complex carbs, like oatmeal & sweet potatoes contain the nutrient dense carbs that keep our tummies feeling full, balance our blood sugar and help our brain to release our natural feel-good chemicals, like serotonin.
- Yogurt provides vitamins B, D and calcium to relieve tension in our muscles.
- Nuts & seeds are a rich source of healthy fats, vitamins and antioxidants that boost our immune systems are essential to mental health.
Almonds & Dark Chocolate-boost your energy & keep you smiling!
- Fermented foods are packed with beneficial bacteria that keep our gut healthy and researchers are beginning to find that our gut bacteria directly affect our mood.
- Berries, Cherries, Oranges and other citrus high in Vitamin C are linked to better moods and less depression. Plus they contain flavonoid antioxidants that protect us against stress-related damage.
- Broccoli and other cruciferous veggies contain the highest concentration of nutrients such as magnesium, Vitamins, B & C, and folate that are proven to fight depression and just make you in a better mood.
- Finally, dark chocolate contains elements that releases mood-improving serotonin. Just make sure it’s not too full of sugar or you’ll come crashing down later.
So, let’s focus on something we can control – such as the food we eat – to help us stand firm and strong no matter how hard the winds blow! This info couldn’t have been timelier for me. I hope it helps you too!
Wishing you Health & Happiness,
Janis