3 Foods to Help Manage the Stress of the New Year

A new year is a time for new goals. It’s a time to plan for self-improvement and aspire to achieve more in the year ahead. You may aim to learn a new skill, be more present, lose weight, etc. With all of these new goals comes new stress. This year, take a nutritional approach by integrating foods that help with stress reduction. Fuel your body with foods that help you work towards your objectives without suffering from as much stress. Below are three foods to incorporate in 2021 that help manage stress…

1. Matcha powder –
Matcha powder is concentrated green tea that is rich in L-theanine, a non-protein amino acid found in tea leaves with powerful stress relieving properties. L-theanine has been found to reduce the levels of “excitatory” brain chemicals. Simultaneously, it increases the chemicals, like GABA, that promote feelings of calm. L-theanine also enhances alpha brain waves, which are associated with a state of “wakeful relaxation,” a state of mind you experience when you’re meditating or letting your mind wander/daydream. Consider incorporating a matcha latte to replace your morning coffee, or blend a teaspoon of matcha powder into your daily smoothie, to help combat your stress this year.

2. Dark chocolate –
Dark chocolate is loaded with magnesium, which is an essential dietary mineral that has been called “the original chill pill.” Why? Like L-theanine, magnesium increases relaxation chemicals, like GABA, by binding to and stimulating the receptors in the brain. Magnesium restricts the release of stress hormones and acts as a filter to prevent them from entering the brain. To make the most of the nutritional value of your dark chocolate, try choosing a product containing at least 70% cocoa solids. Incorporating a small amount of dark chocolate into your daily routine can ensure you’re consuming adequate magnesium to aid in stress reduction.

3. Chickpeas –
Chickpeas offer a wide range of stress-fighting capabilities. Like dark chocolate, they are high in magnesium, essential for relaxation. Furthermore, they are high in folate, a B vitamin that helps regulate mood. Lastly, chickpeas are high in L-tryptophan, an amino acid that when deficient, can cause serotonin levels in the brain to decrease. Tryptophan also helps with sleep quality, as it can be converted into melatonin. Consider incorporating chickpeas as a snack throughout the day; they’re great roasted or served as hummus with your favorite raw vegetables.

While it is important to consume a wide array of foods, consider prioritizing the three foods above for extra stress relief. These foods will help you manage the stress of ambitious new year’s goals so that you can lead a happier, healthier life.