With the Holidays soon approaching, the emotional and physical stressors are already in action. Even though there can still be stress with the Christmas and New Year’s Holiday, there are simple and effective food helpers, which can improve mood, lower blood pressure and even give us more energy!

Holiday Stress Helpers

• Oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate that balances blood sugar and lowers stress hormones in the brain. As a meal or in snacks, the benefit is the same.
• Asparagus grilled, broiled or steamed is a great source of iron, folate and many B vitamins. It stabilizes mood and reduces anxiety. Asparagus tastes great in both hot and cold appetizers.
• Salmon, tuna and other fatty fish are a great source of omega 3, which helps to regulate cortisol and adrenaline spikes and lowers blood pressure. Berries have a similar function and go great with fish in a main course or an appetizer.
• Oysters are a great source of magnesium and B-vitamins, which also lower blood pressure and anxiety. In a dip, a soup or on the half-shell. Oysters are a win-win.
• The benefits of eating dark chocolate are well known for lowering cortisol levels. Try to find dark chocolate with a 70% or higher ratio of cocoa.
• Beans not only provide use with a great source of energy, but beans are a great source of protein, fiber and magnesium. Beans are like a blank slate and can be used in just about any Holiday meal.
• Walnuts, cashews and most seeds are a wonderful source of stress reducing omega-3 fatty acids and help to lower blood pressure. Even though nuts are higher in calorie, people who eat nuts do not gain added weight, likely because of the fiber offset.

These simple, but healthy foods, are just a few choices to help with Holiday stress and you don’t have to be a gourmet chef to pull off a unique and tasty dish.

Have a great Holiday!

Dr. Frisch