Did you know April is Stress Awareness Month? If you are feeling stressed, fearful, and anxious because of the COVID-19 pandemic you’re definitely not alone.
Stress affects your health, reducing your immunity and increases inflammation in your body. The weight of this global pandemic and being cooped up at home can take a toll on one’s mental health. Stress management is essential for your mental health and it’s especially important right now as our world addresses this crisis.
The good news is there are vitamins and minerals in foods that can improve your mental health. Helping you feel calmer and less anxious. Magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients for mental and emotional well-being. Here are a few foods you can start eating NOW to help improve your mood.
1. Green leafy vegetables including spinach, swiss chard, and collard greens are high in magnesium.
Ideas: Add these veggies to soups, smoothies, and stir-fry.
2. Avocado, almonds, and lentils are loaded with B vitamins.
Ideas: Substitute mayo for avocado or spread unsalted almond butter on multi-grain bread.
Replace mayo with mashed avocado on your sandwich.
3. Zinc is found in oysters, cashews, and egg yolks.
Ideas: Steamed oysters, sliced hard-boiled eggs on a salad, crushed cashews on baked fish.
4. Fatty fish such as wild salmon and tuna and seeds: chia and ground flaxseeds are good sources of omega-3 fatty acid.
Ideas: Sprinkle ground flaxseeds on oatmeal or add chia seeds to a smoothie or plain yogurt.
These foods are rich in nutrients and may make you feel calmer, lowering anxiety, and stress. The next time you plan to go to the grocery store or order your groceries online add a few of these foods to your shopping list.
Nutritionally Yours,
Jerlyn
