10 Foods You Always Crave When You’re Stressed & 10 Proven To Help You Relax
10 Foods You Always Crave When You’re Stressed & 10 Proven To Help You Relax
Stress Eating
When you’re feeling down, it’s all too easy to gravitate toward certain foods. You know they’re bad for you, but you simply can’t resist. You’re not alone, as these are the foods most people go for when they’re feeling blue. However, if you want to relax without guilt, this list will also cover foods you should eat instead.
1. Chocolate
Whether you prefer milk, dark, or white chocolate, it is one of the most common and definitely craveable treats. With its smooth and velvety texture, it’s sure to make you want another piece. There are so many different ways to eat it too. You could have it in a drink, eat it in a cake, or just have a bar.
2. Ice Cream
Creamy and sweet, ice cream is many people's favorite treat. With a variety of flavors to choose from, there’s certainly one for every mood. You can even spice things up by going for something unconventional like peppermint. Or blend the best of both worlds and get Moose Tracks for some added chocolatey marshmallow goodness.
American Heritage Chocolate on Unsplash
3. Pizza
Who can say no to a slice of pizza? It’s cheesy, savory, and delicious. And it’s definitely always fun to discuss with your friends if pineapples have a place being there!
4. Cookies
Chocolate chip, white chocolate macadamia nut, peanut butter—how can anyone resist? Cookies have always been a staple of sugary treats. They’re even Santa Claus’s favorite snack!
5. French Fries
This salty and crispy deep-fried dish is one that gets many people’s mouths watering. Combine it with some gravy and cheese curds, and you’ve got yourself a feast, eh? But if a Canadian poutine doesn't excite you, then you could always go for cheese fries or chili fries too.
@withlovefromchile on Unsplash
6. Burgers
Who can forget about a nice juicy burger? It’s fatty, meaty, and a great go-to for a lazy evening in. Even if you don’t like meat, burgers can range from beef to beyond!
7. Cake
A delicious slice of cake is always a pleasant dessert. With virtually infinite types of cakes, there is something out there for everyone. You can throw caution to the wind and go for some chocolate fudge cake, or keep things classy with a slice of strawberry-topped New York cheesecake.
8. Popcorn
Ready for a movie night with your loved ones? Grab a bag of popcorn and watch it disappear before the movie even starts. And who can forget that iconic buttery movie-style popcorn? There’s nothing quite like it!
9. Mac and Cheese
Think of a cozy food you can never go wrong with. Mac and cheese has always been the essence of warm and homey dishes. It’s warm, it’s cheesy, and if you opt for a box of Kraft or Annie, you'll be getting a hit of that nostalgia. Nothing takes the stress away like pleasant childhood memories.
10. A Nice Steak
Finally, for all you meat lovers, a nice, juicy steak. Pair it with some peppercorn sauce, mashed potatoes on the side, and some collard greens, and you’ve got yourself a feast that’s sure to leave a pleasant memory.
Now that we have talked about the most common foods people go for, here are 10 healthier alternatives that can stimulate a little positivity.
1. Dark Chocolate
A refined taste for sure, dark chocolate is very good for improving blood flow. It’s also high in magnesium and a good way to help you relax and be calm. Just like regular chocolate, you can mix this into your drinks or have it as a truffled treat.
2. Avocados
Whether you eat them on toast, in a salad, or straight out of their shell with a spoon, avocados are delicious and nutritious. Packed with vitamin B, they reduce anxiety and taste delicious in the process. You can feel like a trendy millennial all on your own if you go for this substitute.
3. Oranges
Orange juice, orange slices, or quarters to pretend you have orange teeth—they are some of the most iconic fruits for people of all ages. Packed with vitamin C, they help with your immune system as well as lower blood pressure and cortisol.
4. Green Tea
A nice relaxing cup of tea is always a welcome drink in anyone's hands. It helps calm you down and contains L-theanine, which helps with relaxation. Green tea is also an avid appetite suppressant, so it may help you avoid the urge to indulge in chocolates and ice cream when you're feeling down.
5. Almonds
Almonds are a great snack, and they are nutritious too. High in protein, magnesium, and vitamin E, they are a great way of reducing anxiety and making you feel full and energized. In addition to this, almonds are known to help you sleep better and have creams. Maybe that's just the distraction you need to take your mind off the stress.
6. Salmon
Salmon doesn’t just taste amazing; it also has important nutrients for our well-being. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin B, it’s one of the tastiest ways to stay healthy. Smoked salmon in particular is an easy and stress-free way to enjoy this delectable fish.
7. Blueberries
Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, blueberries are a delicious vitamin bomb. With a variety of ways to eat them, they are certainly not lacking in flavor or taste. Snack on them plain, throw them into some yogurt, or, when in doubt, make blueberry muffins!
8. Spinach
Spinach is rich in several minerals our bodies need, including potassium and magnesium. It can help lower your blood pressure and keep you strong. Just look at Popeye! If spinach doesn't strike you as too appetizing though, you could always use it as a pizza topping.
9. Yogurt
Extremely rich in probiotics, yogurt helps our gut health and improves our mental well-being. Some people prefer it plain, others with vanilla, but there is certainly no lack of different flavors you can find—or even make yourself. Try adding some of those blueberries and almonds we talked about earlier.
micheile henderson on Unsplash
10. Bananas
Bananas are a great source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin B, and other important nutrients. They're good for our digestive and heart health. You can eat them raw, or add them to smoothies. If you'd prefer something on the sweeter side, you can try your hand at banana bread or even banana pudding.
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