Beat Stress and Lose Weight With These 6 Superfoods

Life is stressful; from attempts to balance your daily responsibilities to handling health problems and family crises, it's unusual for a day to go by without feeling the pressure. But stress doesn't just feel awful; it can also have serious long-term effects on your health. In a recent survey conducted by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Harvard School of Public Health, 39 percent of people report that they eat more when stressed. Another study adding to this dialogue showed that stress eating could result in weight gain of nearly 11 pounds a year.

So what's the best way to keep stress away? Try indulging in the six delicious superfoods that are recommended for helping to curb anxiety. We've found simple and delicious recipes to help you utilize these power foods, so you can feel less frazzled throughout the day and sleep better once the evening rolls around — because beating stress is the secret to living the healthiest life you can. Source: Corbis Images

01
Eggs

Eggs

Packed full of iron and vitamins B and D, eggs are a perfect way to start your morning. The protein will balance your mood, preventing your blood sugar from crashing during the day. Check out these 14 recipes for ways to enjoy your eggs that are so much more than your basic hard-boil. Photo: Susannah Chen

02
Fish

Fish

Not only is fish a great source of protein, but it's also chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are not only great for your body and heart but also for cognitive function. Researcher Joe Hibbeln of the National Institute of Health told NPR that "omega-3s make your stress system more flexible." These 20 healthy fish recipes will help ensure that you're able to better handle stress as it comes along. Photo: Lizzie Fuhr

03
Flax and Chia Seeds

Flax and Chia Seeds

Like fish, both flaxseeds and chia seeds are packed with omega-3s as well as fiber and protein. These important ingredients help balance your hormones throughout the day and prevent the adrenaline spikes that can bring on feelings of stress. Though there are many ways to add these seeds to your daily diet, try starting your morning out with a deliciously easy chia seed pudding. Source: Instagram user funkyforestfood

04
Pumpkin Seeds
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Pumpkin Seeds

One of the major side effects of high stress is that your sleep can suffer. Luckily, pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of L-tryptophan, which can help you have a better night's sleep. These little seeds also happen to pack in both omega-3s and energy-enhancing magnesium.

05
Dark Chocolate

Dark Chocolate

Who doesn't love the rich taste of a smooth bar of dark chocolate? Not only is this dessert totally delicious, but it's also one of the few treats you should definitely indulge in. Normal candy bars are packed with sugars that cause your blood sugar to strike, leaving you feeling more stressed out, but dark chocolate is full of brain-boosting flavonoids that will help you stay perky and stress-free. So go ahead and indulge in a dark chocolate dessert. Photo: Leta Shy

06
Dark, Leafy Greens

Dark, Leafy Greens

Greens like kale and swiss chard are known for being health-food favorites, and with good reason. These leafy, fiber-rich plants are packed with stress-reducing nutrients like vitamins A and K and potassium and are extremely versatile to cook with. From smoothies to salads to soups, there are plenty of ways to get your stress-reducing daily dose of these vegetables. Photo: Nicole Perry