Are you a stress eater? Many of us are and find it can have catastrophic effects on our weight and health. Certain foods inherently help reduce stress so if you munch on them regularly, you may find that your stress level has been naturally reduced. If you reach for the cupcakes or ice cream when you get stressed, you’ll want to read this!
10 Foods to Reduce Stress
- Avocado. Rich and creamy avocados are a great source of vitamins and nutrients that have been shown to naturally boost your mood as well as block certain fats. Avocados are even great as a dessert food and better for you than that cupcake or ice cream to satisfy that sweets craving. Try this recipe for Chocolate Avocado Pudding and you’ll be a believer!
- Cashews. Cashews are high in zinc, which has been shown to lower depression and anxiety. They are high in protein too, helping keep you full longer. It’s easy to grab a handful when you get stressed and snack on those instead. They are perfect to eat by themselves, add to a salad or main dish. One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is as a healthy snack bar like these Cashew Bars.
- Chamomile tea. Drinking chamomile tea, especially before bedtime helps reduce stress and aid in better sleep. A warm cup of tea is the perfect way to unwind from the day and calm your mind.
- Oatmeal. Oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate that releases serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is known as the feel good chemical in the brain. Not only will oatmeal make you feel good, it will keep you fuller longer and it’s a quick and easy (and inexpensive) food. If you don’t like traditional oatmeal as a breakfast food, try these Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars – they’ll make you feel good!
- Oranges. Oranges are a great source of vitamin C that helps you feel energetic and the sweetness can help fight off sugar cravings. Since oranges are such great grab and go snacks, they are perfect to reach for when stress makes you want something sweet.
- Garlic. Garlic is great for warding off illness and boosting our immune system. Because stress weakens our immunity, eating plenty of garlic in your diet can help keep your immune system strong.
- Broccoli. Broccoli is loaded with folic acid which has been directly linked with stress reduction. While it’s not an instant treatment for stress, eating plenty of eat regularly can help you lower your stress level.
- Chocolate. Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants that help lower stress. Just be sure to make it dark chocolate and don’t overdo it!
- Salmon. Salmon is loaded with omega-3s that help with brain function. Improved brain function can help you more effectively deal with stress. This Glazed Salmon is one of my favorites and is quick and easy to make for a weeknight meal.
- Water. Water is good for so many things! Drinking a cold glass of water and taking a brisk walk for a few minutes is a great way to get those endorphins going and ease your stress. Need tips for drinking more water? Try these!
How to you reduce stress in your life? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
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Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
April 6, 2015 at 4:08 amI had no idea that any of these reduced stress. I love avocados, so I am going to try to eat more of those.
Alli says
April 6, 2015 at 5:59 amI eat (and love) all the foods you mentioned! I tend to not be as stressed as I was in my 20’s and 30’s. Stress won’t change a thing, so why bother is what I constantly tell myself. When I feel overwhelmed I’ll go for a long walk. Works every time.
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Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
April 6, 2015 at 7:36 amOf course the foods that reduce stress are healthy! I think one reason we’re all so stressed out is because most of us tend to eat convenient – and almost always crappy – food.
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Fi Ní Neachtáin says
April 6, 2015 at 8:03 amI’ve been feeling very stressed this week and I really don’t know why. I never knew these foods helped to relieve stress, I must start drinking a lot more water!
Terry says
April 6, 2015 at 8:59 amNo wonder I am never very stressed. I eat most of the food listed and I had no idea I am with eating or to be less stressed. Also drink a lot of chamomile tea.
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Nancy says
April 6, 2015 at 9:32 amWell! Good thing I like all the food listed. Had no idea food could “calm” a stressful mind.
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Carmen Perez (listen2mama) says
April 6, 2015 at 10:43 amIt seems that many of these foods are really high in protein, such as avocados, nuts and salmon. I’ve also heard good things about dark chocolate and of course water is great all the time.
Felicia says
April 6, 2015 at 10:54 amI am really glad that I eat and actually like many of the foods on that list. I definitely believe that drinking lots of water is very important and does relieve stress.
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Sharon - Her Organized Chaos says
April 6, 2015 at 11:28 amThis is a great list! I never knew there were foods to help combat stress. A lot of this stuff I already eat like avocados and oatmeal. I love oatmeal. I’d eat salmon everyday if everyone in my family loved fish.
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Kristen says
April 6, 2015 at 11:49 amYUm! salmon! I suddenly have a taste for some!
Letty C. says
April 6, 2015 at 12:52 pmI didn’t know this food can reduce stress, but I happy to report that the only one I don’t consume regularly is Chamomile Tea; So I am good to go 😀
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Bonnie @ wemake7 says
April 6, 2015 at 3:26 pmI totally have a problem with stress eating. This is a really great list and I’m going to eat more of these now.
Jenny says
April 6, 2015 at 4:57 pmI love all of those except Avocado. Just can’t get passed the taste, but it might work for me if I follow that recipe you provided. lol Cause we all know chocolate is GOOD. Thanks!
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Liz Mays says
April 6, 2015 at 5:23 pmI didn’t know all these food had those benefits. I’m going to be sure to include more of them into my diet!
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Maria says
April 6, 2015 at 5:35 pmI love all of these stress-relieving foods listed. In addition to eating these foods, I always incorporate exercise into my daily routine, as well, in order to relieve stress.
michele d says
April 6, 2015 at 5:49 pmLooks like I need to eat more Oatmeal and Broccoli. What a great list you have here. Learned something new today. Thanks!
chanelle says
April 6, 2015 at 6:58 pmYour tips sure are timely. Today was a doosy! I try to take breaks and go for a walk at least once a day to clear my mind. I try to go for a massage when I’m really stressed out. That usually helps a ton!
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Milosz Zak says
April 6, 2015 at 7:36 pmI completely agree with you when it comes to camomile tea. It’s my go-to in times of high stress.
Jacqueline says
April 6, 2015 at 7:38 pmChocolate-covered cashews sound like the ultimate stress reliever just because of the taste lol. I love avocados so much and put them on my burritos a few times a week.
Chubskulit Rose says
April 6, 2015 at 7:56 pmI am not fond of garlic but I cook with it most of the times. I eat most of the ones on list but seldom drink tea.
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Nina Say says
April 6, 2015 at 8:21 pmIt’ so funny because all of these are my favorite foods. I need to eat more of them
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Terri Ramsey Beavers says
April 6, 2015 at 8:25 pmI read more and more online to reduced my stress and eating a lot of food, this is great tips and I really need this when I’m in totally stress, thank you for sharing your great tips.
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touristmeetstraveler says
April 6, 2015 at 11:55 pmWater and salmon is a big part of my diet, I guess that’s why stress isn’t common in my life!
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Rebecca Swenor says
April 7, 2015 at 1:15 amThis is an interesting post indeed. I didn’t know that all of these foods could reduce stress. I wonder if that is why I crave cashews when I am stressed beside loving them? Thanks for shairng.
Kiwi says
April 7, 2015 at 1:44 amI love avacados! I didnt know oatmeal could reduce stress!
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Mari says
April 7, 2015 at 7:25 amThis is great advice! Thank you so much for sharing. I knew that chocolate reduces stress, but I had no clue about broccoli and salmon!
Cherri Megasko says
April 7, 2015 at 9:47 amI knew about Chamomile tea and water, but the rest are new to me. Thanks for sharing these!
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Jeanine says
April 7, 2015 at 10:29 amWow I had no clue any of these did anything for stress. Great to know, life can be so stressful!
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Gabriel says
April 7, 2015 at 11:04 amWe’ve been working more avocado into our diet – it actually works as a great substitute for mayonnaise in some recipes. I’ve taken to stopping work and playing with the kids for a few minutes as a stress reliever.
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Chrystal @ YUM eating says
April 7, 2015 at 1:51 pmI have a high stress level. With my anxiety issues it is easy to set off. Reading a good book and forgetting the outside world is my biggest stress reliever.
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eileen says
April 7, 2015 at 7:49 pmI had no idea avocado was a great de-stresser! I usually turn to junk food when I’m stressed, but next time I’ll try one of these instead!
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Ann Bacciaglia says
April 7, 2015 at 7:58 pmThese are all great foods. I did not know Broccoli was a stress relieving food. This is such a great post. Great information.
Kelly Hutchinson says
April 7, 2015 at 9:31 pmOne of my favorite snacks is an almond, cashew and dark chocolate trail mix. I wash it down with a bog bottle of cold water!
Manu Kalia says
April 7, 2015 at 11:16 pmI really need this one, I always use Chocolate as a stress reliever. I didn’t know that Onion is good too. Thank you for sharing
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Aisha Kristine Chong says
April 8, 2015 at 1:57 amChamomile tea will indeed work like a charm especially when you drink it before bed time.
Lynndee says
April 8, 2015 at 5:05 amI looove avocado and broccoli but I didn’t know they help reduce stress. Good to know! Now all I need is eat more of them. 🙂
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Rosey says
April 8, 2015 at 11:37 amI like chamomile tea. It does serve well to de-stress. I don’t have it near enough. 🙂
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Krystal says
April 8, 2015 at 7:16 pmOranges always perk me up. The scent is so refreshing! Love Florida oranges!
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CoUrtNeylynne says
April 8, 2015 at 9:14 pmomg! I had no idea so many food could relieve stress! I knew about tea but none of the rest!
Karl says
April 30, 2015 at 3:14 pmGreat article April!
I recently started an MBSR course. MBSR stand for mindfulness based stress reduction. Mindfulness is a way of practicing awareness. Actually there is a branch of it for mindful eating. It helps to re-learn the connection of our body and mind so that we avoid the overeating that often happens when we dont pay attention. 🙂
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hANNAH S. says
July 1, 2015 at 7:09 amI love this list! Especially chamomile tea blend in with ashwagandha that has been my daily habit. It works best for me and I think my days are always stress free. But being mindful of your emotional and mental health will always get your days better. We should consider doing some changes in our meals to achieve a stress-free diet. Anyway, it’s up to us to do the first step.
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