5 Healthy Foods to Help You Beat Stress

Foods that Help with Stress

It’s late in the day, and you’re feeling stressed. Or maybe it’s late at night. The day’s finally caught up with you, and you’re feeling a little overwhelmed. That ever happened to you? When you’re stressed out, it’s easy to reach for some empty-calorie foods for a quick fix to fill the void. But it’s a recipe for weight gain and regret. And it doesn’t have to be that way.

Eating healthier foods can help ward off stress BEFORE you feel beat down, at the end of your rope, ready to sink into the couch with a bucket of treats and the remote. Don’t do that, OK? Instead of letting stress win the day, plan ahead by eating foods that help prevent stress and inflammation linked to chronic disease. Like what? Add these 5 foods to your diet:

1. Broccoli

Research shows broccoli contains chemical properties and nutrients that help prevent inflammation linked to heart disease, certain types of cancer, and depression. Try:

• Broccoli, Mushroom & Zucchini Soup

2. Eggs

Did you know eggs contain choline, a nutrient found in whole eggs that can help protect your brain and control your body’s response to stress. Try:

• Crustless Spinach Quiche Twin Pack
• Egg Patty with Onions & Peppers and Roasted Potatoes- Individual Meal

3. Fish

How often do you eat fish? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends eating fish 2 to 3 times per week.Why? Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. 

Research shows that both can help reduce stress and improve mood. Researchers believe one reason for a rise in anxiety and depression in the U.S. may be tied to low consumption of omega-3-rich foods. Try:

• Salmon & Vegetable Linguini
• Tilapia & Rice Pilaf with Mushroom & Artichoke Hearts

4. Parsley

There’s a flavor-rich herb you probably enjoy that goes well with lots of different foods...parsley. It’s a rich source of antioxidants which help your body prevent inflammation and stress linked to chronic diseases and illnesses. 

5. Sweet potatoes

When you’re stressed out or don’t get enough sleep, the stress hormone cortisol rises. And that’s a problem. When high levels of cortisol become chronic, it can lead to inflammation, metabolic disorders, pain, and chronic disease.But it doesn’t have to be that way. Sweet potatoes and other complex-carb foods help lower cortisol levels. Try:

• Salisbury Steak with Sauce, Sweet Mashed Potatoes & Broccoli

Hungry for more healthy meals for stress-free cooking? Check out the complete list of meals and snacks made from fresh ingredients at MagicKitchen.com.