Feeling a bit on edge lately? We’ve all been there. The constant hustle and bustle of life can sometimes make us feel like a jittery mess. But fear not! Here’s a delicious remedy: Foods.
Delicious, healthy foods!
Yes, you read that right.
Certain food can help reduce anxiety and keep those nerves in check. So, let’s dive into five scrumptious recipes featuring anxiety reducing foods that will have you saying goodbye to stress and hello to calmness.
1. Salmon Salad Delight
Salmon is undoubtedly one of the most popular foods that decrease anxiety. How? Because it’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids and is downright delicious!
Ingredients:
- 2 FreshToHome Formalin Free Farmed Fresh Atlantic Salmon – Fillet
- Mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2.
Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3.
Grill the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
4.
In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
5.
Top the salad with the grilled salmon.
6.
Drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Why it helps: The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon are essential for brain health and can reduce anxiety fast. Plus, this vibrant salad is as Instagram-worthy as it is nutritious!
2. Chicken and Spinach Stir-Fry
Chicken isn’t just for bodybuilders. This lean protein, combined with the magnesium-rich spinach, makes for one of the best foods for anxiety relief.
Ingredients:
- 2 FreshToHome Premium Boneless Antibiotic-residue-free Chicken Breast Fillet
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper and sesame seeds
Instructions:
1.
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2.
Add the garlic and onion, sauté until translucent.
3.
Toss in the chicken and cook until browned.
4.
Add the bell pepper and spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts.
5.
Drizzle with soy sauce and season with salt, pepper and sesame seeds to taste.
Why it helps: Chicken provides tryptophan, which can boost serotonin levels, while spinach is rich in magnesium, a mineral that helps manage anxiety and reduce stress.
3. Blueberry Almond Smoothie
Who said you can’t have dessert for breakfast? This smoothie is loaded with vitamins that make it an excellent food for depression and anxiety.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 banana
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- A handful of spinach (optional, but why not sneak in some extra greens?)
Instructions:
1.
Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2.
Blend until smooth.
3.
Pour into your favourite glass and enjoy! Yes, IT’S THAT SIMPLE!
Why it helps: Blueberries are ALSO antioxidant-rich, which can help reduce oxidative stress in the brain, while almonds provide a nice dose of magnesium. Plus, this smoothie tastes like a dream!
4. Turmeric and Ginger Chicken Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1.
In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
2.
Add the carrots and celery, cooking for a few minutes.
3.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4.
Add the shredded chicken and turmeric, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why it helps: Turmeric and ginger are renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce anxiety and stress relief. Plus, chicken soup is just good for the soul.
5. Dark Chocolate and Nut Parfait
We saved the best for last. Yes, dark chocolate! Combined with nuts, this parfait is a sweet treat. It is one such magical treat that makes it to the list of foods that reduce anxiety and depression while satisfying sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yoghurt
- 1/2 cup granola
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
- Honey to drizzle
Instructions:
1.
In a glass or bowl, layer Greek yoghurt, granola, dark chocolate chips, and mixed nuts.
2.
Repeat layers until the glass is full.
3.
Drizzle with honey.
Why it helps: Dark chocolate is one of the foods that reduce stress and anxiety thanks to its flavonoids, which can improve brain function. Nuts add a crunch and are packed with magnesium and healthy fats.
There you have it!
Five easy, tasty recipes featuring foods that help with anxiety. Incorporate these into your diet and watch how they work their magic.
Remember, managing anxiety isn’t just about eating right – it’s also about enjoying what you eat. Bon appétit!