Try These Foods to Feel Calm and Less Anxious
By Sandy Schroeder
It really is true. We are what we eat. We may feel calmer and less agitated when we cut back on caffeine and eat regular meals, but nutritionists tell us there are specific foods that keep us centered, too. Check this list for ones you might want to try.
Beans – They deliver tons of fiber, keep blood sugar level, and provide a lot of antioxidants. Choose black, white, lima, green, or kidney beans. Enjoy black bean tacos, chili with kidney beans, or green beans with little red potatoes.
Oats – Get a nice helping of vitamins and nutrients, along with serotonin, the anti-anxiety hormone. Oats also help the heart, as they lower cholesterol. Enjoy oats with fruit, yogurt, and cinnamon, or make chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.
Yogurt – Yogurt supplies probiotics to reduce anxiety. It also keeps the digestive system healthy. Enjoy yogurt smoothies, or swirl it with fruit.
Cashews – Cashews provide zinc, which is not stored by the body. Zinc helps fight anxiety to keep us calm. Cashews are high in calories. Use them in small amounts in stir-fries, or as quick snacks. Try the Epicurious.com site for cashew sauce recipes.
Avocadoes – This popular choice is loaded with nutrients to fight stress. They are high in calories. Limit servings to a quarter of an avocado. Slice them into salads or make guacamole.
Green tea - Enjoy two cups a day to stock up on antioxidants and keep your brain functioning well. Choose green tea over black to reduce your caffeine levels.
Blueberries - Pick them for the highest levels of antioxidants. Enjoy them, along with strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, as a rich source of Vitamin C. Do a berry mix for dessert or bake them into pies and tarts.
Dark chocolate – Lift your mood and lower your blood pressure with small squares of dark chocolate. Or stir dark chocolate cocoa into your oats, or muffin recipes.
Oranges – Carry oranges with you for snacks. You will be getting a lot of Vitamin C. At home, cut them up in fruit salads or look for more healthy recipes.
Garlic – Cooking with garlic adds antioxidants that the body needs to strengthen the immune system. Researchers have found garlic fights heart disease, cancer, and colds.
Watch your diet and see which of these food choices work best for you. Then keep looking for more ways to enjoy them.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.