Foods that Will Calm You Down

Feeling stressed? Everyone has heard the phrase, "Take a chill pill". The magical chill pill-but, is it really that easy? With the ups and downs of life, it is normal to get stressed out. Bills, holidays, work, relationships, money and other causes fray our nerves. What do most people do? Run to the freezer, grab the ice cream! Where's the candy? Not so fast. Sweets are often used a stress reliever or a comfort food. However, instead of helping us to relax and calm us down, sweets often make the problems worse in the end. Why? Sweets give your body an initial rush and when your body's insulin respons kicks in, it causes your blood sugar to drop and releases stress hormones. This can leave you feeling worse than you originally were.

Don't get depressed quite yet, though. Just because the ice cream, cakes and cookies are not going to do you any good, there are comforting foods that DO help you relieve stress and calm down.

BERRIES

Eating berries one by one can help soothe frayed nerves. Any kind of berries will do the trick. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries...any berries! Because the carbohydrates found naturally in berries turn to sugar very slowly, you won't have a blood sugar crash. Berries are also a good source of vitamin C, which helps fight the stress hormone cortisol. Add berries to your cereal or just eat them one at a time--instead of the candy!

GUACAMOLE

Vitamin B is essential for nerves and brain cells. Unfortunately, stress quickly rids your body of essential vitamin B. Fortunately, avacados are filled with B vitamins. Guacamole is a tasty, creamy treat that is actually healthy for you. Use low-fat whole grain chips for dipping or top your taco with the guacamole.

MIXED NUTS

Nuts are a fast way to fix depleted vitamin B. An ounce of nuts will not only replace Vitamin B, but it also will give you a healthy amount of zinc. Vitamin E is found in almonds and will help to fight cellular damage that comes from chronic stress. Just think-if you have shell the nuts, each squeeze will allow for tension release!

ORANGES

Vitamin C is important is lowering the level of cortisol that is produced by stress. Vitamin C is also important in lowering blood pressure. Calm down and concentrate on peeling a large orange. Not only will you be getting much needed Vitamin C, the peeling will also help soothe you. Some people also find the scent of oranges and other citrus fruits relaxing.

ASPARAGUS

Every stalk of asparagus is a source of folic acid which is a natural soother. Try dipping your asparagus in yogurt or sour cream. You can also add some extra calcium by topping the asparagus with cheese.

CHAI TEA

Often times, warm drinks can be the best soothers of all. Chai tea has a great smell and can make all stressers disappear. Try to find decaffeinated chai tea. There is a brand that is available in an instant bag.

DARK CHOCOLATE

Well, there is absolutely nothing in chocolate that actually relieves stress. However, sometimes only chocolate will do. Grab dark chocolate and make sure it is atleast 70% cocoa because it is highest in antioxidants. Antioxidants have been found to fight cancer and heart disease. Get the berries and make fondue-that is sure to eliminate some stress in your life!