Healthy Foods & Recipes to Reduce Anxiety
HG FYI: A healthy diet is just ONE part of a stress-less equation. If anxiety is a serious concern, consult your doctor for resources.
Salmon
This fish has loads of beneficial qualities; it's serious brain food! Salmon contains vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which can aid in the regulation of dopamine and serotonin production, providing a calming effect. And those fatty acids can help you to better handle anxiety-triggering stressors. Heeeere, fishy, fishy…
Yogurt
It's not just good for your gut, people! Studies show that regularly eating yogurt can improve brain function in regions that affect anxiety levels. And the protein helps to stimulate production of neurotransmitters that improve alertness and mental energy. Here are some simple recipes that make ordinary yogurt a little more interesting…
Turkey
Let's talk turkey. We already mentioned the brain benefits of protein, and the tryptophan in turkey brings another advantage to the table. (That's right -- it's not just something that makes you sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner!) Tryptophan is an amino acid that's needed to produce serotonin, so it's crucial for making those feel-good brain chemicals.
Complex Carbs
Ever feel cranky and stressed when you cut lots of carbs from your diet? Well, complex carbohydrates like whole grains can increase serotonin production in the brain. And whole grains release sugar into your bloodstream slowly, meaning you're less likely to have the blood-sugar spike (and subsequent crash) that processed carbs bring. Reach for brown rice, oats, and whole-grain bread.
Asparagus
Why asparagus? It's all about the folate. That B vitamin, along with its pal B12, helps the nervous system operate effectively and is crucial for proper brain function. So cook up some spears for a nutrient boost!
Blueberries
The yummy taste of blueberries might be enough to improve your mood, but it’s not the only reason the berries are good for your frame of mind. The vitamin C and antioxidants in blueberries have been linked to improved brain health and reduced inflammation of cells that promote anxiety. Calming and delicious...
Chew on this:
It's the first day of Celebration of Chocolate Month, a.k.a. February! Kick it off with this low-sugar fudge with a minty twist.
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