7 Foods That Will Help You Feel More Calm and Less Stressed

POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

If you're dealing with stress or anxiety, sometimes it seems like nothing can take the edge off, and sometimes it's easy to comfort yourself with food. When you're reaching for chips or ice cream as an outlet for your tense feelings, try this trick: eating foods that can actually help de-stress your brain. There are minerals and vitamins that trigger the release of happy-feeling neurotransmitters in your brain, and they're in some of the most common foods you can find at your local grocery store.

We have some antianxiety recipes for you. Eat your way to better moods and less stress with the help of serotonin-releasing magnesium and tryptophan and mood-boosting omega-3s and B vitamins.

01
Oatmeal and Overnight Oats
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Oatmeal and Overnight Oats

Oatmeal is such a great bedtime snack because high tryptophan levels induce feelings of calm, and the melatonin in oats helps you stay asleep. To make things even better, oatmeal has high amounts of B6 and magnesium, making for a very soothing food. Add some flaxseed for omega-3s, and you've made yourself a bowl of calm. Try these oatmeal recipes or overnight oats.

02
Tofu
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Tofu

Tofu has vitamin B1, tons of tryptophan, and high levels of magnesium and omega-3s; try it as the base for this vanilla protein shake and sip your way to serenity, with a natural boost of nonjittery energy from iron.

03
Chia Seeds
POPSUGAR Photography | Dominique Astorino

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are an excellent de-stresser. They have even more tryptophan per ounce than turkey, and they're loaded with magnesium. Try this delicious chia pudding for dessert or breakfast for a quick surge of relaxation.

04
Sorrel (Spinach Dock)
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Sorrel (Spinach Dock)

This powerful leafy green can be made into salads, juices, or blended into a smoothie. It's chock-full of magnesium and B vitamins, meaning it'll help you feel relaxed and stress free.

05
Salmon
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Salmon

Salmon is a de-stress superfood, and a go-to for anxiety and depression relief. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, extremely high in B vitamins, loaded with magnesium, and even has a small amount of tryptophan. You can get salmon nearly year round and stock your freezer with frozen filets for a quick, bakeable dinner that'll help you unwind at the end of a stressful day.

06
Shrimp and Shellfish
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Shrimp and Shellfish

Shellfish are just as tryptophan-rich as turkey, and shrimp in particular is packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Try adding prawns to your zoodles for a lighter take on shrimp scampi that'll have you feeling relaxed, full, and healthy.

07
Edamame
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Edamame

For the same reasons as tofu, soybeans make an excellent anti-anxiety snack. In 100 grams, you'll get more than double your recommended daily intake of tryptophan, with about 300 milligrams of omega-3s. Try any of these healthy edamame recipes for relaxing, stress-reducing eats.