Foods To Fight Stress During The Holidays

It’s the holiday season. For some, it means great time with family and friends; for others, it means stressful days.

Many of us fail to stick to our diet because of the holiday rush. We should remember to eat healthy during the holidays to protect us against stress. Here are five foods to fight stress and help boost your health during this season.

1. Whole grains

Whole-grain foods like pasta and wheat bread can help increase levels of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Whole grain foods are rich in magnesium, a mineral believed to possess antidepressant properties and also regulate blood pressure. Consuming whole grains is good throughout the year, but they are vital during winter. Our serotonin levels drop during winter because of less exposure to daylight, so eating whole grains can help increase the mood-lifting chemicals in our brains to better deal with stress.

2. Fruits and vegetables

We all know that eating fruits and vegetables is important to our health. When it comes to these foods, variety is just as important as quantity. Choose fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A such as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and dark leafy greens. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals which can cause disease and contribute to stress. Vitamin A, also known as beta-carotene, can help protect your health when you’re under great stress.

3. Low-fat yogurt

Yogurt is rich in protein, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. It is a great source of calcium which prevents osteoporosis, promotes weight loss, and reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease. Calcium also promotes hormone production which is important in stress management.

4. Lentils

Lentils are rich in fiber, protein, iron, folate, and other vitamins and minerals. Eating lentils helps prevent diabetes, some forms of cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Folate, an important vitamin B, helps prevent birth defects and breast cancer. A folate-rich diet helps reduce stressful symptoms such as irritability, lack of sleep, muscle weakness, and forgetfulness.

5. Almonds

Almonds are rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. They are ideal for snacks because they can help keep you full longer. A handful of almonds can also fill our daily vitamin E requirement. Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant and helps improve physical endurance, energy, and muscle strength.

As we embrace the holiday season, incorporating stress-fighting foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, yogurt, lentils, and almonds can boost our well-being. But a balanced diet is just one part of the equation. Pairing it with a solid health insurance plan ensures you have the support you need when stress or illness arises, helping you enjoy the season with greater peace of mind.

Source: VISTA Health Solutions