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Reduce Stress with Snacks: Healthy Snacking Habits

by Mary James on Dec 23, 2023

foods that reduce stress

Reduce Stress with Snacks: Healthy Snacking Habits 

When you're feeling tense, there are numerous strategies to control and even lower your stress levels. One of your greatest allies or enemies might be food. It's important to pay attention to what you eat when you're feeling stressed out, since food has the power to either increase or decrease your stress levels.

In addition, research shows that even mild stress can raise your need for specific nutrients, including niacin, magnesium, zinc, calcium, and iron.

If you don't address unhealthy eating practises, they can raise your risk of future health issues and send your stress levels flying. Anyone can use food as a coping mechanism for stress. There's no need for pricey pills or intricate procedures. 

Therefore, prepare yourself with these delicious top five foods that reduce stress the next time you're under pressure:

How Does Healthy Snacking Reduce Stress Levels?

diet to reduce stress

Snacking healthy has various benefits for lowering stress levels. First, our bodies get a consistent supply of vital nutrients and energy when we choose healthy snacks like fruits, almonds, or yoghurt. 

An even-keeled temperament is maintained by preventing the mood swings and agitation that might follow sugar crashes with a stable blood sugar level.

Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that nutrients like magnesium, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids enhance mental health and lower stress. These chemicals are frequently included in nutritious snacks. These nutrients have a calming and relaxing effect on our nervous systems and brain function.

Snacking offers a quick respite from everyday chores and can be a quiet time to appreciate flavours and decompress. Therefore, choosing nutritious snacks promotes mental and physical well-being and helps one feel less worried and more at ease.

Top 5 Healthy Snacking Options That Help Relieve Stress 

1. Baked Bhakarwadi 

A delicious food that might reduce stress is Baked Bhakarwadi. In addition to having a nice crunch, this delicious delicacy contains complex carbs, which help control blood sugar levels. 

Stress levels are lowered and a more stable mood is maintained when blood sugar rises and crashes are avoided. In addition, it has a pleasant flavour and texture, which makes it an excellent option for a stress-relieving snack.

2. Makhana 

foods to eat to reduce stress

Makhana, often referred to as lotus seeds or fox nuts, is a great way to relieve tension. They help you feel full and content since they are high in protein and low in calories. 

Additionally, there is magnesium in these snacks, which has been connected to a reduction in stress. Magnesium is a great food to eat when stress levels rise since it promotes a calm nervous system and relaxes muscles.

3. Almonds 

foods to eat to reduce stress

Almonds are a superfood for lowering stress. They are abundant in fibre, vitamin E, and good fats. These foods have the potential to lower stress hormone production and normalise blood sugar.

Almonds' magnesium content can have a relaxing impact on the body, aiding relaxation and stress alleviation, and the process of munching on them can also be comforting.

4. Dark Chocolate 

foods to eat to reduce stress

Not only is dark chocolate a delightful treat, but it also relieves tension. Antioxidants included in cacao, or dark chocolate, have the potential to elevate mood and lessen stress. It causes the brain's "feel-good" endorphins to be released more vigorously. To prevent overindulgence, it is crucial to consume it moderately.

5. Moong chaat

A great food to relieve tension is moong chaat, which is made from sprouted moong beans. These beans provide you with protein and B vitamins, which have been shown to improve mood and lower stress levels. 

B vitamins are important for brain function, and protein keeps blood sugar levels steady. When you're anxious, the flavour and texture combination of moong chaat can also make it a satisfying and soothing snack choice.

Tips To Consume Healthy Snacks At Home

foods to eat to reduce stress

Your immune system can be weakened by stress, but it can also be strengthened by a nutritious diet. Discover how to fuel your body with protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant-rich snacks. While the odd treat is acceptable, try to minimise your portion sizes to reduce the number of empty calories you consume.

  1. Keep in mind that staying hydrated can make you feel less peckish. Make sure you consume a minimum of 6 to 8 cups (48–64 ounces) of fluid daily. Water, turmeric tea, and unsweetened iced tea are the greatest beverages to consume.
  2. Food should not be consumed right out of the package because it is easy to overindulge. Just take what you intend to consume, then transfer it to a bowl or plate. Eating attentively and regulating your portion sizes can be achieved by doing this. 
  3. Instead of potato chips, try dehydrated vegetable chips made from kale, sugar snap peas, beets, string beans, and carrots. Vegetable chips are a great way to get vitamins and fibre. you can also try baked soya chips or other baked chips which are beneficial to your health in comparison with fried chip options, which are less nutritious.
  4. Select fruits that are fresh or seasonal, as they are rich in antioxidants, fibre, and vitamins. Both on their own and in blended smoothies, they have an amazing flavour. You can also try out dry fruit options like goji berries 
  5. Whole grains are an excellent source of B vitamins and fibre. Examples of whole grains include quinoa, brown rice, pasta, crackers, and bread.

Take Away 

Including nutritious snacks in your regular diet can be a tasty and practical approach to lowering stress and enhancing general well-being. In addition to being delicious, options like Moong Chaat, Baked Bhakarawadi, Makana, Almonds, Dark Chocolate, and so on are packed with nutrients that help maintain a steady mood and a peaceful mind. 

At Healthy Master, we're dedicated to creating snacks that are the ideal way to relieve stress because they not only satiate your cravings but also nourish your body.

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