Foods To Keep You Calm
It’s September. What’s normally an anxiety-filled back-to-school time for many of us is even more fraught with kids either remote-learning at home or on a campus. Plus, lots of us are still working in our houses alongside adult kids and doing more cooking and cleaning than we want to. Even if none of the above applies to you, everyone is still being distant, wearing masks, doing our best not to get sick. Oh, and there’s an election soon. . .It all adds up to STRESS.
Exercise and sleep help take the edge off, but did you know that there are a number of foods that are proven to soothe your nerves too? Add a few to your next grocery trip:
Eat These To Ease Anxiety
Mushrooms. They contain selenium, which can improve mood by reducing inflammation, which is often elevated when you’re anxious. Other sources: brazil nuts, sesame seeds, and shrimp.
Salmon. This superfood’s omega 3 fatty acids have been found to reduce anxiety and promote feelings of calm and restfulness. One type of omega-3, called EPA, may improve symptoms of depression. Other sources: flax and chia seeds, nuts, olive oil and other fatty fish.
Eggs. Vitamin D is a mood-booster. Canadian researchers reviewed 14 studies involving over 30,000 participants and found a strong correlation between depression and a lack of Vitamin D. Other sources: cheese, milk, tuna.
Dark Chocolate. It’s a good source of tryptophan, a chemical that the body uses to produce serotonin. High levels of serotonin stimulate the release of endorphins and produce feelings of elation. Other sources: chicken, turkey, peanuts.
Pumpkin Seeds. The potassium in the seeds helps regulate blood pressure. Other sources: bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes.
Tumeric. Curcumin, the active compound found in turmeric, has a calming effect on the body and mind. It can also promote a normal response to inflammation. Try it in curries and turmeric tea.
Yogurt. Probiotic-rich fermented foods like yogurt not only reduce oxidative stress in the body, they also calm the mind by reducing inflammation, which can contribute to depression. Other sources: cheese, sauerkraut, kimchi, tofu.
Spinach. It’s full of magnesium, which according to research may help with brain functions that reduce stress and anxiety. Other sources: pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, brown rice.
Spinach-Tofu Stir-Fry
2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
1 block extra-firm tofu, water pressed out, cubed
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp minced fresh ginger
½ tsp red chili flakes
Soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos) to taste
¾ lb. organic baby spinach
4 TBSP toasted sesame seeds
2 tsp sesame oil
1. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet or wok and add the tofu. Stir-fry until the tofu is lightly colored, three to five minutes, and add the garlic, ginger and chili flakes. Cook, stirring, about one minute, and add soy sauce to taste.
2. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in the sesame seeds and add more soy sauce to taste. Remove from the heat.
3. Using tongs, transfer the spinach and tofu mixture to a serving bowl, leaving the liquid behind. Drizzle with sesame oil and add more soy sauce as desired. Serve with brown rice or farro.