1. Green Foods
Yes, it’s tempting to hit the fast food joint when you are stressed. But instead go green. Green leafy vegetables have folate and this produces dopamine, which keeps you calm. Besides, green leafy vegetables can also reduce the symptoms of depression.
2. Eat Turkey
Turkey has tryptophan and so it relaxes you. This produces serotonin which regulates those feelings of happiness. But there’s more good news. Serotonin also helps reduce those hunger feelings. In a recent study published in the Journal of Psychiatry Neuroscience, people who take tryptophan are happier than those who don’t. Other foods that contain tryptophan are oats, beans, eggs, seeds, tofu, fish, seeds and lentils.
3. Oatmeal
Carb lovers who crave donuts when under stressful situations can calm those cravings with oatmeal. A complex carb like oatmeal can calm you down without contributing to elevated blood glucose.
4. Yogurt
Okay, this one is strange but true. If you have too much stomach bacteria, you may have higher levels of stress. A recent UCLA study shows that consuming probiotics from yogurt can balance the bacteria and your emotions.
5. Blueberries
Stress is the enemy your body tries to fight off. Help it fight a winning battle with blueberries. This fruit is rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients and fights stress. People who eat blueberries get a quick boost in natural killer cells. They increase the strength of your immune system, says Cynthia Sass, contributing nutrition editor for Health.
6. Pistachios
Eating pistachios can reduce stress and give you heart health benefits. Plus the repetitive action of taking the shell off helps calm you down and relaxes you. The nuts also contain phytonutrients that give you antioxidants.
7. Dark Chocolate
Not all chocolate is bad for you, and a bite of dark chocolate can reduce your stress. Plus the antioxidants in cocoa can open your blood vessels and lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
Bottom Line
The next time you feel like munching down on something try one of the above snacks. These 7 foods can help reduce stress and even help you lose weight. Just eat mindfully and slowly. But don’t reach for the junk food; instead opt for one of these great nutritious foods.