6 Foods To Help You De-Stress

Sometimes the strongest food cravings hit when you're at your weakest point emotionally (aka stress eating).  We're all guilty of turning to food for comfort when feeling stressed, facing a difficult problem or just out of plain boredom, but that instant gratification ultimately sabotages healthy eating goals and leaves you feeling regretful.

That's why its super important to know which foods are good for you and have the additional benefit of containing properties that actually reduce stress!

                           Asparagus

Depression has been linked to low levels of folic acid, and one vegetable that boosts this mood-enhancing nutrient is asparagus. One of the most nutrient dense foods with folic acid, eating just one cup of boiled asparagus provides 262 mcg of folic acid, which provides approximately 65% of your daily needs. 

                          Avocados

Feelings of anxiety may be rooted in a B vitamin deficiency. Avocados are rich in stress-relieving B vitamins.Just a single serving of avocado (which is just about a quarter) will give you lots of B vitamins, vitamin E and folate, and more! They’ll reduce blood sugar spikes which can lead to anxiety. 

                             Berries

Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries are all rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which will help lower blood pressure and increase focus! Mix with yogurt or cereal, blend 'em up and make a smoothie; any way you prefer will be delicious and nutritious.

                     Dark Chocolate

Not only does darker chocolate have lower quantities of unhealthy ingredients, such as fat and sugar, but according to research, eating the equivalent of one average-sized dark chocolate candy bar each day for two weeks reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol as well as the “fight-or-flight” hormones known as catecholamines in highly stressed people. 

                    Lemons and Oranges

Studies have found that vitamin C helps reduce both the physical and psychological effects of stress on people. Start off your day with lemon water or orange juice is a sure fire way to start the day with an extra boost! 

                  Spinach and Broccoli

Dark green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli are powerhouses of vitamins that help replenish our bodies when those stressful times hit. Both spinach and broccoli are great sources of magnesium, which helps lower your stress level by keeping you calm. They are also rich in stress-relieving B vitamins, especially folic acid which helps relieve stress, anxiety, panic and depression.

Getting stressed out is normal but learning how to handle it the right way so it doesn’t affect your health and mood is key. Whatever you’re putting into your body can change how your body and mind works. So keep these suggestions for foods in mind for the next time you’re feeling a little overwhelmed!