Food is often the go-to for people feeling stressed. Emotional eating can be comforting in the moment but can be harmful in the long term.

Fortunately, there are stress-reducing foods that not only help us combat the feeling of stress but also prevent us from eating impulsively. In this article, we’ll take a look at ten stress-reducing foods to help you combat emotional eating.

1. Dark Chocolate

When eaten in moderation, dark chocolate has several health benefits including reducing stress levels. Dark chocolate contains cocoa flavanols that promote blood flow to the brain, thus improving cognitive function and reducing stress levels.

It’s important to note that not all chocolate is created equal. Opt for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa to reap the stress-reducing benefits.

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, making them an excellent stress-reducing food. Studies show that consuming blueberries can help regulate mood and reduce stress levels.

Add them to your smoothies, yogurts, or oatmeal for a delicious and stress-reducing boost.

3. Salmon

Fatty fishes like salmon are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to reduce stress levels. Omega-3 fatty acids not only help alleviate the physical symptoms of stress, but also help regulate mood.

Incorporate salmon into your diet by grilling, roasting, or baking.

4. Avocado

Avocado is a healthy fat that helps regulate blood sugar levels, which in turn helps alleviate stress and anxiety. Add avocado to your toast, smoothie, or salad for a delicious and stress-reducing snack.

5. Almonds

Almonds are a great source of magnesium, which has been shown to alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety. Additionally, almonds have been shown to lower cortisol levels, a hormone released during times of stress.

Snack on a handful of almonds or add them to your favorite dish for a healthy and stress-reducing boost.

6. Spinach

Spinach contains magnesium, which has been shown to help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of stress. Additionally, spinach contains iron, which helps transport oxygen to the brain, improving cognitive function.

Add spinach to your omelets, smoothies, or salads for a delicious and stress-reducing boost.

7. Whole Grains

Whole grains like oats and brown rice contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps regulate mood and reduce symptoms of stress. Additionally, whole grains have a low glycemic index, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, minimizing symptoms of stress.

Swap out refined grains for whole grains in your meals for a healthy and stress-reducing boost.

8. Green Tea

Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has been shown to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Additionally, green tea contains antioxidants that improve cognitive function and lower stress levels.

Swap out your daily cup of coffee for green tea for a delicious and stress-reducing boost.

9. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine that has several health benefits. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, thus reducing symptoms of stress.

Add turmeric to your meals for a delicious and stress-reducing boost.

10. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt contains probiotics, which have been shown to improve gut health and reduce symptoms of stress. Additionally, Greek yogurt is high in protein, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and prevent impulsive eating.

Add Greek yogurt to your smoothies or eat it as a snack for a delicious and stress-reducing boost.

Conclusion

Stressful situations can make us reach for the nearest comfort food, but this can lead to emotional eating and weight gain. Fortunately, there are stress-reducing foods that not only reduce stress levels but also prevent us from eating impulsively.

Incorporate these ten stress-reducing foods into your diet for a healthy and stress-free life.