Finding Your Zen: 8 calming foods that will naturally help you feel better

Friday, February 19, 2021

8 Calming Foods to Naturally Help You Feel Better
Mint is a calming food to help you feel better

There are so many influences in our lives, not all of them good. Many of them can make us nervous, anxious, unhappy, or even depressed. What we eat can make a difference and allow us to feel calmer and more centered. The right foods can help us feel better and improve our overall health. Below is a list of 8 foods that have a naturally calming effect. We have included links to recipes that incorporate these foods that are available on our blog. Pamper yourself with nurturing foods that are naturally helpful to your mood and your health.

8 calming foods that will naturally help you feel better:
 

Mint—contains menthol, which is a natural muscle relaxer that can lead to a calming effect. Brew some fresh mint tea by growing your own in an herb garden. 

Turmeric—in addition to being the popular spice of the moment, is full of curcumin, which is being studied for its use in promoting brain health and treating anxiety disorders. Golden milk, a hot drink with turmeric and spices, is a calming beverage that many folks are using to start or end their long days or try this Carrot Hummus with Turmeric you can share with others.

Orange—vitamin C is one of the vitamins that can help ease anxiety and promote a sense of calm, and there is no better source than oranges. Eat them whole or try one of these recipes that use orange marmalade. 

Salmon is a calming food that will naturally help you feel better
Salmon is a calming food that will naturally help you feel better...ours was served up on the Halsa pattern!


Salmon—omega-3 fatty acids are helpful in naturally regulating dopamine and serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitters in our brains. So, a diet rich in them can really help balance your mood! Salmon is a great source, and this recipe for Pan-Roasted Salmon with Tomatoes and Capers is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe.

Spinach—magnesium is one of those minerals that are thought to help with feeling calmer, and you can find it in abundance in dark leafy vegetables like spinach. Try this fun family favorite recipe of Pizza with a Cauliflower Crust and Spinach.  

Chocolate—dark chocolate, in addition to being most people’s comfort food, especially on the go, offers the added benefit of flavonoids, the antioxidant that can help lower blood pressure and anxiety levels. Note that we are talking about dark chocolate, at least 70% cacao content. Try making this guilty pleasure of Warmed Dark Chocolate with Popcorn…a perfect snack to munch on while curling up to watch a feel good movie.  
 

Berries are a calming food to help you feel better
Berries are another calming food to help you feel better

Berries—are naturally packed with antioxidants, which have been shown to protect your cells from stress and can help ease some depression. Any fresh or frozen berries can be easily incorporated into your diet, but we love this recipe for a kid-friendly and diabetes friendly Berry Delicious Smoothie Bowl.

Walnuts—are a great source of alpha-linolenic acid, which research has shown to have a mood boosting effect. Try this recipe for Roasted Turkey Salad with Dried Cherries and Walnuts.
    

Enjoy! And Live Well!

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