With the holiday season in full swing, the days are getting shorter while our to-do lists seem to get longer. Don’t let holiday stress turn you into a Grinch. Instead, fight anxiety with a few simple, nutrient-rich foods.
Cocoa – Is there a reason why we always reach for dark chocolate when we’re feeling down? Your body may be doing you a favor because research shows that cocoa helps improve your mood and creates an overall calming effect. As the weather gets colder, warm yourself up with some dark hot chocolate mixed with steamed coconut or almond milk.
Spinach – This dark leafy green is rich in calcium and magnesium, which has been shown to treat depression. These minerals can help you sleep better, relax muscles, and alleviate headaches. Sautee spinach with mushrooms for a nutrient-dense side dish or make spinach dip for a mood-boosting snack option.
Sunflower & Chia Seeds – Both of these seeds are high in tryptophan, which can help reduce anxiety. Sunflower seeds are delicious raw, but are also a wonderful ingredient for veggie burgers, sauces, or baked goods. Mix up your morning routine by adding chia seeds to oatmeal, smoothies, or pudding.
Garbanzo Beans – This popular bean is high in folate and is a great plant-based source of protein. A folate deficiency has been shown to contribute to depression, so it is particularly important to keep this nutrient in stock around the holidays. The amino acids in protein help brain health and promote alertness and increase energy levels. Falafels made with garbanzo beans are a hearty meat alternative to keep you energized so you can tackle your holiday shopping list.
Walnuts – It turns out there’s a scientific reason why festive Nutcrackers help keep the season bright. Walnuts are one of the best plant-based sources of Omega-3, which helps improve depressive symptoms. Keep these nuts on hand at seasonal parties to improve moods and holiday cheer.
Oranges – This fruit is high in vitamin C and can help reduce the physical and mental stress on your health. Use oranges to garnish dishes, sweeten sauces, or as a flavorful addition to salads.
Let Green & Tonic ease your holiday stress with our new Fall Cleanse!
As temperatures drop in the coming months, you might not feel like the bundle of energy you were during the sunnier months. Winter weather piques the appetite for warmer, heartier dishes, and we have carefully curated items that are full of grounding, healing and balanced nutrition. This cleanse is low in calories but rich in nutrients. Stay on track with this digestive reset that also boosts immunity.
By: Bailey Bate, CHC
