Top 10 Best Foods to Reduce Stress – 2024 Guide

We live in a fast-paced world, which in return leaves some staggering effects on our bodies. One of those effects might cause us to feel stressed out, and at times completely overwhelmed. Although tension cannot be avoided all the time, there are specific things that can reduce it. One of those things is implementing specific food to your diet.

If you are looking for ways to naturally reduce your anxiety, you might find this article quite helpful. The text below will feature the best food to eat when stressed out, also keep your eyes open, this article will also mention some of the foods that you should not consume if overwhelmed. Let’s take a closer look at the article:

1. Herbal Teas Might Do The Trick

You might not know this, but, you are probably reaching out for warm beverages when you are stressed out. However, you probably choose coffee – which can, in fact, increase your anxiety levels. Instead of drinking coffee, you should choose herbal teas – especially since they have a calming effect. During difficult times, you should opt for either peppermint which can relax your muscles or chamomile tea which can help you sleep and less irritable. You can also add cinnamon or lemon to the beverages, which will make it even more soothing and delicious.

2. The Delicious Blueberries

When you start stressing out in the middle of the day – especially if you are thinking about preparing dinner for your family – grab a few blueberries and say “goodbye” to the pressure you are feeling. Now, you can choose to eat them as they are or you can choose to add them to your healthy smoothies, snacks, as well as oatmeal! They are perfect for stress relief since the fruit contains Vitamin C, however, it is also perfect for getting your recommended level of fruits each day!

3. Dark Chocolate Will do Wonders

If you usually reach for sweet snacks when you are anxious – fear not! You are not alone. The most common snack people choose during stressful periods is dark chocolate. It will prompt our brains to release a specific hormone called serotonin, which in return improves our moods. Besides making us feel happy it will also make us relaxed. If you want to learn more about mindful eating, check out this great article on mindful eating on MindTastik. Also, you should take a look at an application that can help you with stress, it is free which means that you can download the app now.

4. A Bit of Salmon With Vegetables

If the stress causes you to be anxious, you should definitely eat food that contains omega-3 – and, one of the meals you should definitely opt for is grilled salmon with vegetables. Omega-3 acids are important acids that aid our immune system in producing serotonin. Another benefit that you can gain is that it battles the physical effects that stress caused, especially inflammation. Add a few tomatoes, spinach, and carrots that can help your body with producing more dopamine.

5. The Favorite, Avocados

Trust me when I say it, avocados will not only help with stress reduction, it will also help you with your overall health and wellbeing. The monounsaturated fat, the antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, potassium, B6, as well as folate! All of these things can be found in avocados, which means that they are extremely healthy!

6. Fruit Pops Straight From The Freezer

Just imagine how relaxed you will feel while downing a freezing fruit pop? There is no way that you can consume more than you should – since it is super cold – hence, you won’t have to worry about your diet. You can also have loads of fun with the flavors, which means that it will satisfy your sweets need and it is refreshing, hence, you can relax easily.

7. There is Nothing Better Than French Fries

Homemade French fries sprinkled with salt and a few spices will be a healthy way to decrease your stress levels. People – including me – often crave carbohydrates when they are nervous because it prompts the production of amino acids tryptophan. This hormone is what prompts the release of serotonin, hence, it will make you feel calm and happy.

8. The Sweet Oranges

Oranges contain Vitamin C, which has been found to lower the hormone cortisol which makes us feel stress, anxious, and nervous. Besides lowering cortisol levels, it also reduces high blood pressure – making it perfect for anxious periods. Hence, opt for improving your happiness levels by consuming a glass of homemade orange juice every morning.

9. A Cheese Sandwich With Cherry Tomatoes

Now, all you will have to do is take a slice of whole-grain bread, apply the cheese you chose, sprinkle it with olive oil, add a few slices of cherry tomatoes, and you are good to go! This combination will easily boost your happiness levels, and it can also keep your blood-sugar levels low and stable. The olive oil will make it more enjoyable, and it is a good source of monounsaturated antioxidants that are quite useful for our bodies.

10. Popcorn With The Spices You Like

Popcorn can help us quite a lot during anxious times, and it should be your go-to snack. A wide range of studies concluded that eating crunchy and salty food can help individuals feel relaxed, especially if they are angry. Additionally, adding the spices that you like will make everything so much better and their natural fiber and protein will give you a healthy dose of natural (and healthy) fats! Another thing that you might like about it is that you can eat a lot of it while not gaining weight.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a wide range of foods that you can choose for decreasing the stress you are feeling. Not only will they make the stress go away, but you can also improve your overall health as well. So, now that you know what delicious snacks can help you battle stress, do not waste any more time, go to the closest store, and stock up on some snacks for stressful times!