Foods That Help Stress and Your Smile

Wednesday - September 21st, 2016

We’ve all been at the point of being so stressed that we can’t resist reaching for junk food.

While comfort foods are delicious in the moment, they’re also typically low in nutrients, which leads to a bad sugar crash and you feeling even worse. So the next time you’re feeling the pangs of stress, try one of these wonderful alternatives instead:

Leafy greens: We admit, this isn’t everyone’s idea of comfort food. But leafy greens have tons of vitamins and minerals that help regulate cortisol levels, as well as stabilize the mood-regulating neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Throw some salmon on top for an extra boost of stress-fighting omega 3-fatty acids.

Blueberries: Blueberries are little blue antioxidant powerhouses. They help your body regulate its response to stress and help combat free radicals, which can cause other health aliments. Good reason to pop a handful today!

Fermented foods: Fermented foods help diminish unhealthy bacteria in your gut. Surprisingly, there is a strong link between the health of your gut and the health of your brain. In fact, it can have a direct impact on feelings of stress and depression. Try adding sauerkraut, kimchi, or pickled cucumbers or beets to your daily diet.

Dark chocolate: If you absolutely need something sweet to survive a stressful time, reach for dark chocolate that’s at least 70% cacao. Dark chocolate releases a neurotransmitter called anandamine, which encourages feelings of joy and diminishes feelings of anxiety.

If you know you have a stressful week ahead of you, be prepared with a stash of super-snacks to help you survive it unscathed.

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