1. Oatmeal– The carbohydrates in this tasty breakfast option facilitate the production of serotonin- an important neurotransmitter that contributes to mood. Unlike other forms of carbohydrates that we crave when we are stressed (I know I find myself reaching for the bag of Lay’s chips), oatmeal is filled with fiber, so it is absorbed by the body slowly for a lasting effect.
2. Milk– Whey, which is the protein in milk, can reduce anxiety and frustration. Make some hot chocolate the night before a test to help ease your nerves, or dip some graham crackers in milk for a healthy late-night study snack.
3. Dark Chocolate– Filled with flavonoids, dark chocolate is a great treat to fight stress. It also contains phenethylamine, a chemical that boosts your mood. Plus, who doesn’t want an excuse to indulge in chocolate?
4. Salmon– The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon will help boost serotonin levels. This fish is also a very healthy option!
5. Walnuts– Walnuts are extremely healthy and are filled with protein to provide an extra energy boost. Top a salad with walnuts at lunch or grab a handful on the way to class to benefit from their stress-fighting nutrients.
6. Spinach– These nutritious greens contain magnesium, which enhances your body’s ability to respond to stress.
7. Blueberries– Blueberries have antioxidants that fight cortisol and other stress-related hormones. Get your daily dose of blueberries in a variety of ways- eat them plain, with yogurt, or with cottage cheese!
8. Avocado– This high-fat (the good kind) and high-potassium food can help lower blood pressure, ultimately reducing stress. You just found another reason to head to Chipotle for a study break!
9. Asparagus– This delicious veggie contains folic acid, which stabilizes mood. Try sautéing with garlic, sprinkling with cheese, or squeezing on some fresh lemon juice to add a kick!
10. Green tea– The amino acid found in green tea called theanine has been shown to reduce stress. This is also a great way to warm up in the cold months that are quickly approaching!
Photos taken from:
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=oatmeal&um=1&hl=en&client=safari&sa=N&rls=en&biw=1279&bih=645&tbm=isch&tbnid=zMLbXYgJaI32GM:&imgrefurl=http://blogcritics.org/tastes/article/musing-on-my-mothers-oatmeal/&docid=WL7tUvJJoKHmBM&imgurl=http://static-l3.blogcritics.org/10/05/08/134463/oatmeal.jpg&w=400&h=400&ei=cRWvTr_hFYrpgQfYtOHfDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=878&vpy=173&dur=259&hovh=125&hovw=125&tx=76&ty=123&sig=103604384307634939043&page=1&tbnh=125&tbnw=125&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=avocado&um=1&hl=en&client=safari&sa=N&rls=en&biw=1279&bih=645&tbm=isch&tbnid=2gA1yMkNmsi9DM:&imgrefurl=http://naturalbeautyblogger.com/benefits-avocado-oil-persea-americana&docid=eQtpZLTRmCE9nM&imgurl=http://naturalbeautyblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Avocado.jpg&w=456&h=304&ei=vBWvTvyrB8LTgAeG-6XdDw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=607&sig=103604384307634939043&page=1&tbnh=120&tbnw=180&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:19,s:0&tx=73&ty=58
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=green+tea&um=1&hl=en&client=safari&sa=N&rls=en&biw=1279&bih=645&tbm=isch&tbnid=SbqRttEjR7VPmM:&imgrefurl=http://www.greenteatruth.org/green-tea-facts/&docid=FZg2g2EWXBgfFM&imgurl=http://www.greenteatruth.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/green-tea.jpg&w=368&h=464&ei=bBavTu_8OsKdgQey2MHsDw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=368&sig=103604384307634939043&page=1&tbnh=147&tbnw=122&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:0&tx=40&ty=45