Are you feeling stressed and anxious due to the pandemic and looking for comfort food to help you through it? Well, you are not alone. The outbreak of the pandemic Covid-19 has managed to disrupt every sphere of life. While some people are struggling with work from home routine, others are homeschooling their children. The ‘new normal’ has caused an unprecedented level of stress and anxiety. Your diet can have a significant impact on your mental health and help you stay fit. Read on to find out about the healthy yet comforting food that you can enjoy during this time.
Which food can help cope up with stress?
From banana bread to dalgona coffee, people have been experimenting more often in the kitchen now owing to the trends. Besides that, more and more people are now opting for healthy food to ensure their physical and mental well-being.
Here are some comfort foods that can help keep stress at bay:
1. CBD:
CBD or Cannabidiol is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. The cannabis-byproduct is becoming increasingly popular owing to the many therapeutic benefits it offers for your health. As per the latest research, CBD is an anti-anxiety agent. It can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety disorder and calm your body and mind.
Given the rising popularity, CBD is available in numerous forms. For oral ingestion, you can try oil, tinctures, capsules, or even edibles. A wide array of CBD edibles are available in the market today, which can help you enjoy a regulated dose of the cannabinoid. If not, you can try topical creams or lotions infused with CBD. Smoking the cannabis herb is an age-old method that is still prominent today and gives you instant effects.
2. Fruits
Sugar can help you relax during a stressful time. If you enjoy a sugar rush, you can ditch the artificial ones and enjoy the natural sweetness of fruits. Although fruits might not satiate your cravings, they can be a healthy way to keep you full for long.
Try to eat fruits during the day to cope with stress and anxiety. You can include pears, bananas, apples, or any other seasonal fruit in your daily diet. It will give not only the essential nutrients but also dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion.
3. Fermented foods
There is a strong relationship between your gut and brain. A healthy stomach may help improve your mental health. If you are consuming prebiotic or probiotic food, it can help nourish the bacteria in your gut, which combats stress.
If you are feeling anxious lately, you can try taking prebiotic or probiotic food like plain old yogurt. Besides that, you can enjoy apple cider vinegar, kimchi, kombucha, or even miso to stay healthy and happy during these unprecedented times.
4. Chocolate
Chocolate is the best stress reliever. Whether you are worried about an exam or presentation at work, chocolate tends to easily remove the stress. White or milk chocolate can do the work, but it contains an abundance of sugar. Here, you can opt for dark chocolate to make you feel better during stressful days.
5. Nuts
Nuts are the most healthy and filling snacks that only a handful can keep you full for long. They contain plenty of vitamins (Vitamin B), minerals, and many other essential fatty acids, reducing stress. You can eat walnuts, almonds, and pistachios to keep the stress level and blood pressure in check.
Conclusion
Covid-19 has brought along innumerable challenges for everyone. Staying at home for too long while coping with personal and professional responsibility can take a toll on your health. If you are feeling stressed or low, you can try improving your diet. Indulge in a healthy diet every day and say goodbye to stress for good!
