10 Foods That Can Help You Cope With Stress

Even if you don’t have any anxiety or stress-related symptoms, almost everyone can benefit from the anti-stress benefits of good food. Recently, we learned that food has neuro-protective benefits, including protecting your brain from the damage caused by environmental toxins. But wait, there’s more! Ditching processed, sodium-heavy foods and avoiding overly processed ingredients like gluten and soy sauce can help ease your anxiety — with minimal effort. The body feels more satisfied when it’s full and helps reduce tension — not to mention making you feel pretty amazing.

Here are a few delicious-sounding foods to satisfy your stress-related cravings. Scroll through to see which one’s for you.

Scrambled eggs

Eggs are a primary source of protein. As a stress-reducing food, scrambled eggs with extra olive oil and spices like coriander, coriander seeds, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, paprika powder, and sage will “strengthen your muscle fibres in your body and lower your blood pressure,” according to Dr. Jason W. Kral, physician and award-winning author of Feeding Furry Bones: A Doctor’s Incredible Tales of How to Support Animals Like Nuts and Treat Heart Disease and Disease in You (and Your Pets). Scrambled eggs also add a satiating flavor and soothe your digestive tract.

A roasted cauliflower pizza topped with spinach

Ditch the pesto and croutons, and instead opt for a simple cauliflower pizza that only requires a few ingredients — cauliflower, pine nuts, scallions, and balsamic vinegar.

Dried fruit

The exotic-looking flavors of dried fruit will bring a sense of excitement, relaxation, and excitement, and would be a great pick-me-up when you’re home alone, or just sick of munching on greasy snacks.

Avocado slices

A squeeze of fresh lime juice gives these monounsaturated fats an extra zing of flavor, which translates to better digestion and stress relief.

Parmesan, parmesan, and Romano cheese

With just two ingredients (sea salt and Parmesan cheese), parmesan and Romano cheese are the perfect evening fuel. It’s basically all you need for a healthy dinner, complete with olives, raw garlic, and parsley.

Pumpkin seeds

Squishy little seeds are loaded with omega-3 fats and protein, making them the perfect Rx for the monotony of daily life. They’re also a perfect snack for helping your body burn fat and feel full.

Smoked salmon

Dark-green leafy greens, spices, and oils are all rich in omega-3 fats. And fried salmon is packed with omega-3s and cayenne pepper, two ingredients known to help you relax.

Chocolate

Dark chocolate (especially really high-quality dark chocolate) contains more beneficial nutrients than white chocolate. Nix the sugar and processed cream and load up on your dark chocolate — and trust us, it’ll help de-stress you just as much as salt or the omega-3s in it.

Flaxseed

Mayonnaise, ketchup, Greek yogurt, and pepitas — flaxseed.

Canned chipotle

Although this spicy deli meat is great for chewy, crunchy burgers, it’s also great for you, because it’s chock-full of natural omega-3s and linoleic acid, and therefore protects your heart. It also tastes pretty delicious and easier on your tummy.