In today’s article, I am sharing 11 calming foods and drinks that you might consider including in your diet. As much as we feel tempted to reach for that consoling bowl of ice cream it will not help. In fact, the sugar high can bring fluctuations in your hormone levels and do more harm than good. Here is a list of calming foods and drinks that can make a difference in lifting your mood.
11 Calming Foods and Drinks
Berries
Berries are packed with healthy antioxidants that protect cells from distress and can help lift depressing feelings. You can also benefit from eating green veggies, nuts, walnuts, and beans.
Coffee
This is good news for the coffee lovers among us. A few cups of black coffee can boost energy levels and lift your mood. However, it could have a negative impact as well. Try not to exceed four cups a day since too much caffeine can make you feel anxious or jittery.
Dark Chocolate
The famous quote: “Chocolate doesn’t ask questions – chocolate understands” is well known among chocoholics. Cocoa contains beneficial flavonoids that protect cells, increase blood flow to the heart and brain, and assist with lowering blood pressure.
However, this only applies to dark chocolate. Opt for chocolate with at least 70% cocoa, but moderation is key. Too much of a good thing has negative consequences and can lead to weight gain or the caffeine content can worsen anxiety.
Spinach
If you are not a huge fan of spinach you can try any other leafy green veg like collard greens, Swiss chard, or kale. These greens contain magnesium that encourages calmness. Therefore, make sure you get enough of this mineral to keep your spirits up.
Oysters
Oysters contain zinc which assists your body with dealing with stress. However, if you do not particularly enjoy seafood, you can also get zinc from eggs, liver, cashews, beef, or poultry.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut contains vitamin C, B vitamins, and folic acid, which are all helpful in easing feelings of anxiety. Fermented sauerkraut is considered “good” bacteria that promote a healthy gut. This is another food that contains serotonin that boosts your mood.
Oatmeal
This hearty complex carbohydrate slowly digests and provides a steady energy flow. Oatmeal also contains serotonin which promotes a good mood.
Sardines
Not everyone has a palate that accommodates these little fish. However, they pack a powerful punch of omega-3 fatty acids that helps with combatting anxiety and depression. They are also beneficial for easing inflammation in the body. You can also include albacore tuna or salmon in your diet. They contain a lesser amount of omega-3 fatty acids.
Oranges
Most people associate citrus foods, in particular oranges, with vitamin C, which is part of the reason why it can help ease anxiety. Some studies suggest that a vitamin C-rich diet can help with promoting feelings of calmness and put you in a better mood.
Liver
Calf liver is the best way to go, but chicken liver can also do the trick. Liver is packed with folic acid and B vitamins that generate brain chemicals that influence your feelings. You can also get B vitamins from eating almonds or avocados; however, they do not contain B12 which influences energy levels and mood. Vitamin B12 is found in fish, eggs, and chicken.
Tea
If you prefer coffee over tea, then the good news is that it can also help with providing a calming effect. Some herbs like lavender and chamomile for instance along with the antioxidants found in tea leaves can have a calming effect. Equally to drinking coffee, don’t overdo it as too much caffeine can have the opposite effect.
Conclusion
I hope you have found this post about calming foods and drinks insightful and that you will include some of them in your diet to see if it works for you.
Sending you much love, light, and calming thoughts.
Anthea