Stress: we all experience it. Whether it’s the daily grind of a 9 to 5 job, finals week, or balancing family obligations, stress is an inevitable part of life, but it always seems to become exaggerated during the holiday season. Living in such a high-performing city like DC, chronic stress seems to be everywhere. But have you ever considered how it might be affecting your immediate health?
Stress causes our cortisol levels to spike, which can lead to a reduced immune and digestive function and imbalanced hormone levels. Cortisol also can cause cravings—particularly for carbs and sweet foods in women—which can throw our bodies further out of balance.
Here are my top 10 foods to help calm the body and combat stress. I’ve been trying to do a better job of integrating these into my diet and invite you to do the same! In particular, substituting these with caffeine and refined sugar for steadier blood sugar levels have made such a positive difference.
Blueberries and Oranges: These are super high in vitamin C, which can be helpful in combating stress. I love to snack on them throughout the morning or once I start crashing in the afternoon, rather than hitting the snack cart at work. Try my shrimp tacos with blueberry avocado salsa.
Avocado: Avocados contain more folate than any other fruit. They also contain healthy fats, which will help to keep blood sugar levels from spiking. I absolutely love it in the morning with my avocado toast upgrade.
Chocolate: Isn’t this the best one? Unfortunately this isn’t a free pass to start eating through all of that leftover Halloween candy, but in moderation dark chocolate (more than 75% cacao) does have mood-boosting properties. Make yourself a treat with my thin mint smoothie.
Oats: This complex carbohydrate is great because it contains a great deal of soluble fiber, which will keep you feeling calm, and triggers serotonin production. All complex carbs are known to boost serotonin levels, but for starters, try out my delicious nourishing oatmeal.
Leafy greens: Magnesium deficiencies can cause headaches and fatigue, exacerbating the effects of stress. Leafy greens are full of magnesium and can therefore keep some of those stress symptoms at bay—try my strawberry, mint, and goat cheese spinach salad or my very favorite kale and mango salad.
Walnuts: High in omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts are proven brain-boosters and help to prevent memory loss. Feeling adventurous? Try my walnut-based vegan tacos.
Garlic: Garlic has powerful antioxidants and contains allicin, which can help boost your immune system as it caves due to stress. Try my angel hair shrimp scampi and add some homemade garlic bread and a glass of wine for good measure J
Chamomile: Calms nerves and promotes sleep. I always have some hot chamomile lavender tea before bed and it is so soothing!
Green Tea: A great substitution for your morning latte—which will feel great for an hour or two but will probably make you crash by the afternoon—green tea has brain-boosting elements that will enhance mental performance. My favorite flavor is pomegranate green tea.
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