During the busy holiday season, it’s important to prioritize self-care, and fueling your body with stress-reducing foods is a great place to start!
Here are some stress-reducing foods to help keep you calm and energized during the busy holiday season:
- Dark Chocolate boosts serotonin, which helps improve mood and reduce stress.
- Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are packed with vitamin C, which has been shown to lower cortisol (the stress hormone) levels and boost your immune system.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium and B vitamins, which can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
- Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps reduce inflammation and support brain health, helping you stay mentally clear and calm during the holidays.
- Spinach & Leafy Greens: Full of folate and magnesium, spinach and other leafy greens support serotonin production, helping balance your mood and combat stress.
- Oatmeal: The complex carbs in oatmeal help stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing mood swings and energy crashes during busy holiday times.
- Chamomile Tea: A warm cup of chamomile tea can help you relax after a long day. Chamomile has natural calming properties and can help you sleep better, reducing overall stress levels.
- Avocados are a great source of healthy fats and B vitamins, which help regulate mood and fight off stress.
- Sweet Potatoes are high in complex carbohydrates and fibre, which help maintain stable blood sugar levels, reducing irritability and stress. They also provide potassium to help relax muscles.
- Berries: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, berries help lower cortisol and boost your immune system.
