Stress Busting Good Mood Food

You probably realize that your body is a system that requires fuel to run efficiently. You can put in cheap, low grade fuel in the form of highly processed fast food, but if you want your body (and the brain that operates it) to work effectively to manage your stress, it makes sense that you would eat healthy foods.

What you may not realize is that there are some foods that can help you manage your stress and anxiety better. I'm not suggesting that food alone will solve all your problems, but there is a lot of research that shows that what you eat can impact your mental health significantly.

Most all fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support mental health, as do foods that are considered complex carbohydrates. Complex carbs digest slowly and boost serotonin production. Lean proteins such as turkey and fish high in omega-3s can also help manage stress and anxiety.

Check out the recipe below for a quick and easy breakfast that requires no cooking, can be thrown together quickly and contains blueberries, which are a stress busting super-food?

Stress Less Breakfast in a Hurry

• 1 cup low fat cottage cheese (Calcium eases anxiety)

• ½ cup fresh blueberries (High in vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber – protects brain cells and has a positive impact on the central nervous system)

• 1 Tbsp sliced almonds (B vitamins that reduce anxiety and stress)

• 1 tsp honey (Easily digestible and converts to energy and boosts serotonin production)

• ½ tsp cinnamon - (lowers blood sugar and contains antioxidants)

Put everything in a bowl and mix together. You can adjust quantities of any of the ingredients to your own liking.