Who says you can't eat your way to peace of mind? In this Sassy Cooking post, we're revealing the Top 10 Anti-Stress Foods that'll soothe your soul while keeping your Weight Watchers goals intact. Ready to chow down on some calming cuisine? Let's dig in!
Slay Stress with these Anti-Stress Foods
Between work, family, and the craziness of life, we're all searching for ways to unwind and de-stress. Fear not, because I've got you covered with these ten scrumptious anti-stress foods that'll have you saying “namaste” in no time! Bonus: they're perfect for those conquering emotional eating and staying on track with Weight Watchers.
Chocolate: The Ultimate Stress-Buster
Dark chocolate, with its high magnesium content, is your go-to comfort food that'll also help you combat stress. Aim for at least 70% cocoa to reap the most benefits. Plus, its sweet flavor releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormone. So, indulge in a square or two without guilt, and let the magic of chocolate work its wonders.
Almonds: Crunch Your Way to Calm
A handful of almonds packs a punch of phytosterols, monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Their high magnesium content is a calming superstar that'll keep your nerves in check. Other nuts like macadamia nuts and hazelnuts are also fantastic stress-fighting alternatives.
Bananas: Go Bananas for Relaxation
Bananas are loaded with magnesium, potassium, and tryptophan – an amino acid that helps regulate serotonin, the mood-boosting neurotransmitter. Enjoy a banana a day to keep stress at bay and recharge your emotional batteries.
Blackcurrants: Berry Good for Beating Stress
Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, blackcurrants lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and help reduce joint pain caused by tension. Enjoy them fresh, in an infusion, or as capsules or drinkable suspensions for a seasonal stress-fighting solution.
Dried Figs: A Sweet Solution for Serenity
These little gems are brimming with antioxidants and vitamin B3, which provide energy and help synthesize serotonin. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, be mindful of their sugar content, especially if you have diabetes.
Mushrooms: A Fungi Way to Fight Anxiety
Mushrooms are nutrient powerhouses, rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Their selenium content aids neurotransmitter exchanges, combating anxiety and depression. Low in calories, feel free to incorporate mushrooms into your daily meals.
Fatty Fish: Hooked on Happiness
Fatty fish like tuna and salmon are chock-full of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3s. These healthy fats improve emotional balance by promoting nerve impulse transmission and regulating various body functions. So, reel in some relaxation with a tasty seafood dish.
Eggs: Cracking the Code to Emotional Balance
Don't let the cholesterol myths scare you away! Consuming eggs 2-3 times a week is perfectly healthy and contributes to a balanced mood, thanks to their rich vitamin B9 content. Other vitamin B9 sources include spinach, broccoli, salads, wheat germ, and liver.
Herbal Teas: Sip Your Stress Away
Channel your inner grandma and unwind with herbal teas like chamomile for its calming properties, linden tree for nervous disorders, or passiflora as a natural anxiolytic. Savor a cup before bed to create a soothing environment conducive to sleep.
Green Teas: Brew Up Some Zen Vibes
Drinking 5 cups of green tea a day can reduce stress, as demonstrated in a recent study. It's unclear if it's the tea itself or a stress-free lifestyle, but one thing's for sure – the antioxidants in green tea will have beneficial effects on your body and mood. So, why not give it a try?
Each of these anti-stress foods brings unique properties to the table, ensuring you have a delicious and diverse menu to keep your stress levels low and your Weight Watchers journey on track. So, go ahead and enjoy these foods while embracing a calmer, happier, and sassier you!
What are the Best Tools to Conquer Emotional Eating?
Are you looking to Conquer Emotional Eating For Good? Start with my FREE printable workbook! With pages to help you learn your triggers and work through them, with tips and advice to move past emotional eating, the workbook is the perfect place to get started!
