Life can get a little hectic sometimes; we get that. For most of us, worrying about what to eat is usually the icing on our cake, especially when you’re feeding more than one person.
Sometimes, though, eating is what can help to calm the nerves. In fact, there are many foods out there that can help to lower our stress signals and actually let us relax, even if it's just for a second, while still being good for us.
If you need a mini dose of R&R, try snacking on one of the following foods to get your mind back on track.
Avocados
Don’t disregard avocado toast; it could be your next escape from the rat race we call life. Avocados are incredibly rich in magnesium and fiber, as well as good fats, making them good for your mind as well as your body.
Magnesium acts as a natural relaxant, which is why so many folks like to take it before bed. It blocks our NMDA receptors, which prevents our nerves from getting jumpy, and increases GABA, the calming neurotransmitter. This shift from excitement to calm also means our cortisol levels will even out, which can help with regulating our stress and anxiety.
Meal ideas: Avocado toast, green goddess salad, guacamole.
Eggs
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We know that eggs get a bad rep in terms of cholesterol, but that doesn’t mean they’re not also full of feel-good vitamins.
In fact, eggs are packed with vitamins B12 and B7. The B12 vitamin plays a huge role in our body's brain function and nerve cells, while also providing us with a decent energy boost. Sure, they don’t lower your stress levels, but they may give you the energy to tackle the day ahead.
Vitamin B7, or biotin, helps enzymes travel more efficiently through your body, and is known for its positive effects on skin, nails, and hair. Because it boosts our nerve function, it can also be a good coping mechanism for a demanding workload.
Meal ideas: Breakfast tacos, marinated eggs, chilaquiles verde.
Fruits
It never hurts to snack away on an apple or an orange. Vitamin C foods, like oranges, grapefruits, or strawberries, can help deter stress-related diseases, as they lower our cortisol levels.
The fiber in fruits also plays a role in stress reduction, which stems from our stomach bacteria. As we absorb the fiber, our bodies start to produce serotonin, which helps to lower anxiety, depression, and stress levels.
Meal ideas: Smoothies, oatmeal, parfaits, or on their own.
Dark Chocolate
Yes, we can even add chocolate to this list. While milk chocolate is often too high in sugar, dark chocolate has been proven to be full of antioxidants.
It comes as no surprise that chocolate boosts our bodies' serotonin and dopamine, increasing blood flow. These endorphin triggers help to make us feel relaxed while still keeping our brains active and ready to tackle whatever is thrown at us.
Meal ideas: Mousse, hot chocolate, or on its own!
