Eat This Easy Mix Now For Instant Calm

Let’s face it: we can’t always keep our cool. Zen as we may try to be, most of us still falter in our quest for constant calm when things go wrong. And, for many of us, when things go haywire, we instantly want to reach for something comforting. This can lead to reaching for pre-packaged goods or junk foods that might make us feel a wave of comfort in the short term, but can wreak havoc on our bodies in the longer term, or, perhaps, make us feel worse later on after we realize we went a little binge-y there for a moment. But did you know you can put together a soothing yet healthy treat when you need a calming force in your life right now?  

Judith J. Wurtman, Ph.D., writes: “Eating obviously doesn’t remove the cause of the stress. No food will make the sun shine through clouds or restore the hard drive in your computer. But if the right foods are eaten at the right time, the emotions associated with stress will diminish. ” Read on for the most perfect calming food combo ever!

1. Start With Carbs

Carbs, whether you love ’em or steer clear, are great for releasing serotonin, a total feel-good-now brain chemical. Wurtman writes: “Carbohydrates help us endure stress because eating any sweet or starchy food (except the carbohydrates in fruit) allows the brain to make new serotonin. Serotonin makes us feel calmer, and as a result we believe we can cope.” Load up a bowl with a *HEALTHY* carb. Try something warm and soothing, like whole grain, unflavored oatmeal. Gluten-free eaters can go for warm buckwheat. 

2. Load in Some Fruit

The smell of chopped apples, especially green apples, has been effective in some research as a stress reliever and can help with headaches. Berries also have feel-good properties. Blueberries in particular can be helpful. Men’s Fitness reports: “Blueberries may seem small, but just a handful pack a powerful punch of antioxidants and vitamin C, making them mighty stress-busters. When we’re stressed, our bodies need vitamin C and antioxidants to help repair and protect cells.” So, take that bowl of warm carbs and load in some fresh fruit. 

3. Top With Dark Chocolate

Add some dark chocolate shavings to the top of this stress-busting snack. Dark chocolate can help shut down cortisol and catecholamines, two hormones that may be swarming in high levels when you’re feeling the anxieties of life. WebMD reports on a study illuminating the stress-busting benefits of dark chocolate; eating it” reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol as well as the “fight-or-flight” hormones known as catecholamines in highly stressed people. The findings add to a growing number of recently discovered potential health benefits of dark chocolate.

For example, cocoa has been found to be rich in a class of antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been linked to a number of health benefits. Researchers are also investigating other compounds in dark chocolate that may offer other health benefits, such as improved insulin sensitivity, reduced blood pressure, and improved mood.” Top your carb and berry concoction with some dark chocolate shavings for a tasty, stress-busting flavor burst!

And there you have it — an easy, calming mix of feel-good foods you can whip together on the worst of days. Sounds a bit like a breakfast, but this can be eaten any time you need a calming fix.

What are you favorite calming foods? 

Image source: Healthy Vegan Pomegranate Quinoa Porridge