5 Foods To Reduce Anxiety

ANXIOUS AF? Our entire generation seems to be! That’s why I teamed up with nutritionist Ellie Sethness from NAO Wellness to come up with  5 Foods to help reduce stress and anxiety, and what 5 foods to stray far away from!

5 Foods to Reduce Stress & Anxiety:

1. Salmon - Salmon contains a lot of great things for us which can help reduce anxiety. Salmon is full of omega-3’s and Vitamin D which promote brain health leading to a reduction of anxiety. A quick and easy way to eat more salmon is get grab and go pouches.

2. Chamomile - Chamomile is an herb that is full of antioxidants, it has been shown to reduce inflammation, both of which can help reduce anxiety. Chamomile tea is a great way to end your day and help you calm down before bed.

3. Dark Chocolate - Dark chocolate can help reduce anxiety when consumed in small amounts because it contains antioxidants that have been shown to increase serotonin in your brain which contributes to happiness.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar - I start every morning with a glass of warm water, a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar and squeeze half a lemon into the water. Apple Cider Vinegar reduces my anxiety because I know that it promotes digestion plus it is full of amino acids and beneficial nutrients. When I am having a flexible day of meals I know that I can have some Apple Cider Vinegar prior to eating or drinking to help aid my digestion - this knowledge decreases my anxiety.

5. Kiwi - Kiwi’s have been shown to help people sleep because of the amount of serotonin that can be found in the fruit. So before bed eat one to two kiwi’s to help increase the amount of Zzz’s you are getting.

5 Foods to Avoid to Reduce Anxiety:

1. Alcohol - Alcohol changes the serotonin in your brain which can lead to anxiety. The effects of alcohol can continue to cause anxiety the next day by creating a hangover. Trust me, I’m a HUGE tequila lover, and that hangover is no bueno!

2. Caffeine - When you consume too much caffeine it can lead to a feeling of uneasiness (think the jitters). Try to stick to one caffeinated beverage a day and if you need a coffee alternative check out Dandy Tea.

3. Sugar - Sugar causes ups and downs. While most of the time we can fight through the downs without extra anxiety there are times when sugar can lead to a lack of energy and low energy can cause anxiety. If you have a craving for something sweet grab a square of dark chocolate to increase the serotonin in your brain. Just remember that dark chocolate needs to be consumed in small quantities.

4. Processed foods - Processed foods are full of additives and preservatives leading to poor gut health. Bad gut health can lead to anxiety so steer clear of processed foods and choose whole foods instead (for example grab veggies instead of potato chips). - This is definitely my hardest because I freaking LOVE chips and all things salty!

5. Soda - Soda is full of ingredients that are not good for us. At times soda can include a lot of sugar and caffeine - both of which can cause anxiety. Soda drinks are full of chemicals that are not good for people to consume so instead of having a soda grab water with a squeeze of lemon! This has seriously helped cure my ginger ale addiction :)

   X kt