Stress busting foods that help to heal and calm the mind .

When you're stressed out, the foods you're turning to will most likely be traditional 'comfort' foods – think big meals, take-out, fatty foods, sweet foods, and alcohol. Let's face it – we've all found some comfort in a tasty meal, a bottle of beer, or a glass of wine when we've been stressed out or upset about something. However, this isn't a good permanent solution.

When you're stressed out, the foods you're turning to will most likely be traditional 'comfort' foods – think big meals, take-out, fatty foods, sweet foods, and alcohol. Let's face it – we've all found some comfort in a tasty meal, a bottle of beer, or a glass of wine when we've been stressed out or upset about something. However, this isn't a good permanent solution.

When you're turning to unhealthy foods, you can feel better temporarily, but in the long run, you will feel worse. When your body isn't getting the proper nutrition, you can feel less energetic, more lethargic, and in some cases, less able to concentrate and focus. All of this can lead to even more stress.

Ready to lower stress with food?

The best way to fight stress is to have a healthy, balanced diet that includes a moderate amount of each of the different food groups.

Food such as oatmeal, pistachios, avocado, green leafy greens, walnuts, grass-fed beef, and chocolate are known to help fight stress.

Oatmeal: Oatmeal has many beneficial properties to make you feel better from the inside out. Eating oatmeal complex carbohydrates causes your brain to produce higher levels of the feel-good chemical serotonin, helping you feel calmer and less stressed.

Pistachios: Pistachios are excellent for snacking and can help combat stress and anxiety long-term. Studies have found that simply eating two small, snack-size portions of pistachios per day can lower vascular constriction when you are stressed, putting less pressure on your heart by further dilating your arteries. Along with this, the rhythmic, repetitive act of shelling pistachios can actually be quite therapeutic!

Avocado: Avocados are a creamy and versatile fruit, whether you enjoy it raw, made into sauces, dressings, and dips, or in a smoothie. These nutrient-dense fruits have the properties to stress-proof your body, thanks to their high glutathione content, which specifically blocks the intestinal absorption of certain fats which cause oxidative damage. Avocados also contain higher levels of vitamin E, folate, and beta-carotene than any other fruit, which boosts their stress-busting properties. However, be careful with portion control when eating avocado, as it is high in fat.

Green Leafy Vegetables – leafy, green vegetables should be a pivotal part of anyone's diet. Along with helping to combat stress, leafy greens are full of nutrients and antioxidants, which help to fight off disease and leave your body feeling healthier and more energized. Dark leafy greens, for example, spinach, are perfect for you since they are rich in folate, which helps your body produce more mood-regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin, a 'feel-good' chemical. Making leafy greens a part of your diet will help you feel happier and less stressed.

Walnuts: If you're looking for a healthy snacking option to help you stay better in control of your stress levels, walnuts are a great choice. There is no denying the sweet, pleasant flavor of walnuts, which can be a tasty snack for in-between meals or as part of a dessert. A versatile nut, walnuts are great for salads or add them to a sweet treat such as coffee and walnut cake.

Beef: Grass-fed beef is not only kinder to the planet and animals, but it's also suitable for people. Grass-fed beef has a vast range of antioxidants, including beta-carotene and Vitamins C and E, which can help your body to fight stress and anxiety. If you're looking for more reasons to spend a little more money on organic, grass-fed beef, it's also lower in fat than grain-fed beef and higher in omega-3.

Last but not least, Chocolate – Although often seen as an unhealthy treat, there is an undeniable link between chocolate and our mood. Studies have shown that eating chocolate can actually make you happier. However, that doesn't mean that you can start munching on chocolate bars every time you're stressed out – chocolate works best as a de-stressor when eaten in moderation and as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Dark chocolate, in particular, is best for you, as it contains more flavonols and polyphenols, two hugely essential antioxidants which can help combat stress, more than many fruit juices.

Meal ideas?

Here is mine Oatmeal with berries with a yummy fruit smoothie with avocado and berries> double berries!