Meditation. Attention. Move. Meet the fascinating trio of stress relief methods. It’s no secret that these popular solutions to stress are widely written and applied. After all, they are known increased stress resilience and improve the ability to cope with triggers. But as we know, what we eat can also be capable transform the way we feel. Indeed, it’s no secret that nutritious meals can boost our mood. And when it comes to foods to eat for stress relief, delicious, healthy ingredients are key to helping us feel our best.
I’m wary of sweeping generalizations, but it’s safe to say we’re all pretty familiar with the concept of stress. It can be assumed that we have all been through that. Reports of a national mental health crisis are on the rise — and they’ve dragged on for years. ValuePenguin Survey March 2022 found that 84% of Americans feel stressed at least once per week (up from 78% reported in March 2021). In other words: not good.
Featured image of Michelle Nash.
The good news, however, is that we can intentionally design occasional meals, snacks, drinks, and snacks to combat the growing stress present at every turn in the world. our modern world, every minute of our hour. When it comes to foods to eat to relieve stress, the usual doubts prevail. Fruits, nuts and seeds adaptogenic herbs reigns supreme, but adding a few unexpected superfoods to the mix (hint, hint: organ meats) will contribute to a happier, healthier life and outlook.
I’ve been teasing the takeaways things long enough. Below, Kim Rose, RDN, shares her expertise on the world of anti-stress foods. Keep reading for her list of the top seven foods to eat for stress relief, along with key insights into the role diet plays in improving mental and emotional health. Let’s dive in.
To begin with, what foods should we avoid or limit if we want to reduce stress in our lives?
Rose says alcohol and “sugar, high-caffeine drinks” like energy drinks are two of the biggest stressors. Nutritionist notes: “Energy drinks may give you an artificial boost, but they can make you unwanted mental health outcomes that causes stress. “Of course, our social and even professional lives are often structured around going out for a drink, ordering wine for dinner, and occasionally enjoying a night out. But according to Rose, the apply a sober curious lifestyle can help keep stress levels steady (because, after all, a little *good* tense comes with its own health benefits).
If you don’t want to cut out alcohol completely, Rose turns to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn about safe, recommended amounts of alcohol. Daily recommendations suggest no more than one serving of alcohol for women and no more than two for men. “Initially, alcohol can release inhibitions and reduce your stress, but it has the potential to make you more stressed than it was before drinking,” she says.
What role do adaptogens play in helping us feel calmer and more focused?
A well-known health word, adaptogens have been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions for centuries to combat stress. “Think of adaptogens as natural stress regulators,” says Rose. Her top two favorites? Holy basil and ashwagandha. “Divine basil,” she notes, “is an adaptogen that provides a calm background to help us unwind after a long day.”
Possibly anecdotal, ashwagandha is perhaps the adaptogen that has garnered the most attention and interest. Rose says its popularity can be attributed to its stress-relieving magic. “The roots and berries of the ashwagandha plant have been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes to help you relax and sleep well to recharge nightly.”
What should consumers keep in mind when shopping for adaptogens?
Unfortunately, as with any health trend, questionable products often flood the market. To make sure you’re buying high-quality, supportive adaptogens, Rose says, look for suppliers with National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certification. “NSF certification ensures that products, such as supplements, have been tested for safety and that what is listed on the label is what is in the product.”
For the calmer days to come, Rose emphasizes making sure you’re buying products with the “clinically effective levels of adaptogen mentioned. Here’s another way to make sure you get the benefits of that ingredient — besides talking to your doctor, the most important thing is “.
Best Foods to Eat for Stress — Plus Drinks and Treatments to Help You Beat Burnout and Find Your Calm
Chrysanthemum tea
Have you enjoyed sipping chamomile tea as a bedtime drink? Not only are you helping to put a stop to your sleepiness, but you’re also actively reducing your stress levels. Rose recommends brewing a cup at night for relaxation or anytime you crave something light throughout the day. Night function to win.
Recipe: Chamomile and jasmine herbal ice cubes
Poultry
It’s not uncommon for turkeys to lull us to sleep in the middle of a Thanksgiving meal, and according to Rose, it’s all thanks to tryptophan. “Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that our bodies cannot make; Therefore, we must get it from the food we eat. ” She added that tryptophan is the only precursor to serotonin. Sound familiar? Yes – serotonin is the burnout, feel-good hormone known for reduce depression and regulate anxiety.
Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Avocado
Our forever favorite fruit (a berry, if we’re looking specifically) has no limits. Equally praised for being full biotin skin support Since they are delicious on a slice of toasted sourdough, avocados are rich in magnesium. Rose adds: “Magnesium is important for managing stress and protecting the body against stress sensitivity.
Recipe: Tomato, avocado and cucumber salad with Feta
Cashew
If they’re not the snack you want to buy yet, it’s time to stock up. “Cashews are the way to go when looking for a tryptophan-rich food that can help you avoid burnout,” Rose suggests. If you don’t eat or have a craving for poultry, cashews are a great plant-based choice — and they do this recipe for a super creamy cozy spring soup.
Recipe: Green immune-boosting vegetable soup
Organ meat
Now here is the wildcard. Rose recommends adding liver, gizzard, and kidney to your cart on your next trip to the store. “Vitamin B-2, also known as riboflavin, is found in organ meats,” she says. “Riboflavin helps convert carbohydrates into energy that the body can use. It can also help you overcome the physical aspects of burnout. Those benefits are enough to make anyone believe. And if you are still wary, believe that its taste is surprising, extremely delicious. Some might say delicious.
Recipe: Chicken liver paté from Wholesome Yum
Black chocolate
Chocolate lovers, unite! This tried-and-true health-promoting staple is a favorite among health-obsessed people — and for good reason. “One of the many benefits,” notes Rose, “is that dark chocolate can be a mood booster, against feelings of excessive burnout. Another reason to always say yes to lunch or after dinner. This recipe Combine superfoods with avocado to double the sedative effect.
Recipe: Dark Chocolate Butter Truffles from Eat bird food
Beverages with adaptive fuel
If you’re new to the (broad) world of adaptogens, one of the easiest ways to reap the stress-relieving benefits is to incorporate them into your drinks. This recipe for a pleasant hot cocoa and ice cream that combine a blend of adaptogens and are perfect for after-dinner sips. Or, if you’re looking to take your adaptogens in the form of an easy, delicious drink at any time of day, Calm factor is Rose’s favorite. It’s plant-based and she loves that each can contains levels of clinically effective adaptogens. “With 300 mg of holy basil, this beverage helps relieve stress as we get through, or even after a long day.” Exactly what my stressed mind needed.
Recipe: Adaptive Hot Chocolate
