Foods That Fight Stress

You can snack when you are under pressure, if you do it right way. You can help your body and mind cope with stress by snacking on certain foods. Sometimes even small portions can start easing the effects of stress.

Half a chocolate bar or fewer sweets. The sweet stuff sugar content can raise endorphin levels, and a compound called anandamide is believed to boost your mind.

Popcorn or whole grain crackers. Because they enhance the release of the feel good brain chemical serotonin, this starchy carbohydrate rich foods can induce a sense of calm and may help relieve depression.

Mashed potatoes or low fat pudding. These high starch foods may help soothing serotonin, but their status as comfort foods got them on list.

Cup of milk. Its calcium, magnesium and potassium content may help keep blood pressure down and drinking milk especially warmed, has a releasing effect for many people.

A cup of cereal. Eating cereal gives you more sustained energy and clearer thinking during the day, and research suggests that a daily bowl is associated with lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. RD