There are specific foods you can eat to induce a state of peace and calm.
If you want to relieve stress and anxiety, focus on these foods and nutrients:
- Foods high in magnesium including leafy greens like spinach and swiss chard, squash and pumpkin seeds, lima beans, tuna, almonds, dark chocolate (85% cacao or higher), avocados, and bananas
- Foods high in zinc including oysters, beef, chicken, turkey, tofu, lentils, and oatmeal
- Foods high in omega-3 fats including fish such as wild salmon and herring, walnuts, flax seeds and chia seeds
- Foods high in tryptophan including turkey, chicken, beef, tofu, salmon, edamame, oatmeal, and eggs
- Foods high in monounsaturated fats including extra virgin olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds
- Fermented foods that are rich in probiotics, including yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, pickles, and miso
- Tahini (made of ground sesame seeds) is a staple of the Mediterranean Diet and helps to reduce stress and anxiety
- Asparagus has been shown to have anti-anxiety benefits
- Turmeric helps to boost mood and reduce stress (ginger produces a similar effect)
- Bone broth has been shown to help heal the gut and reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety
- Drink tea — either green tea or matcha — which is more calming than coffee
If you are stressed and looking to chill out, use this as your grocery list the next time you hit the store.
