Foods That Can Help With Anxiety As Well As Weight Loss

Life is full of ups and downs and it’s the fear of the unknown that usually brings us anxiety. Combine this with societal pressures to maintain an acceptable body weight and it’s no surprise we can feel totally overwhelmed.

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way! You can do something about your stress and body weight and while this typically requires a total lifestyle change, we can easily begin to achieve this goal through simple changes in our diet.

6 Foods That Can Help Curb Your Anxiety and Weight

If you are feeling pressured and confused to maintain both your anxiety and weight, here is a list of some foods that can help you out.

#1. Fatty Fish

Fatty fish has always been known for its high content of Omega-3 fatty acid. And it’s because of this that you should always include it in your food servings, especially if you’re feeling anxious and are working your way towards losing some pounds. This is because this element has a very strong relationship with mental wellness as it triggers the proper functionality of the cognitive state of the mind. So you won’t have to suffer from any mental disorder, anxiety included.

Consequently, since the Omega-3 contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), it also helps to boost weight loss. You see, not all fats are created equal, but these two components form polyunsaturated fatty acids, a type of good fat with a unique chemical. And it’s this ingredient that not only helps curb inflammation, but also reduces body fat. According to experts, individuals should try to consume it twice a week for best results.

#2. Eggs

Including eggs in your diet shouldn’t be difficult. After all, they’re easily available, cheap and of course easy to prepare. Both the egg yolk and the whites have a very important role to play in an individual’s life. The latter are amazing sources of vitamin D and a very good source of protein. And this means that they are particularly essential for growth and development. And on top of that, the large content of amino acids in this element helps in the production of the hormones and mood balancing chemical, Serotonin. So in other words, while it boosts the functionality of your brain, it also deals with anxiety symptoms.

Additionally, contrary to many beliefs, although eggs are high in protein, they contain very few calories. So you can still enjoy your nutritious meal without fear of stocking up so many fats. For instance, one egg contains 78 calories and so if you eat two and combine them with vegetables, then you have before you a whole meal. They are also very filling, of course, thanks to the high proteins. And aside from that, the high amount of amino acids in this food helps to boost your body’s metabolism, thus quickening the process of weight loss.

#3. Turmeric

This ingredient has been known for its amazing benefits over the years. And aside from the tasty touch, it gives to meals, the curcumin element in it is a very good oxidant.

Curcumin also functions as a stress and anxiety reliever to its users’ thanks to its ability to reduce inflammation. And because of this, it helps to curb the symptoms that are associated with obesity, hence a great boost when it comes to your weight loss journey.

The good thing is that you can easily incorporate this spice in your meals and enjoy the minimal flavor. From smoothies to curries, there are so many options to turn your dining table into a healthy den.

#4. Brazil Nuts

Nuts has always been known for their amazing benefits to the body. This is thanks to their high protein, low carbs nature. The Brazil nuts to be precise, take this a notch higher with their selenium element. You see, selenium is a very reliable mood elevator since it helps the body to reduce inflammation, which is normally at high levels when one is feeling moody or anxious. Its advantages also spread to the antioxidant elements it contains to help maintain the health of the body cells. This means that the body can function well, which also means collaborating in the weight loss efforts.

Additionally, since they also contain a high fiber content, one feels fuller faster and for longer. So you won’t eat a lot during the day. You can also include it in sauces, as part of a fruit and vegetable snack, smoothies or just as a separate snack.

#5. Pumpkin Seeds

If you have been ignoring pumpkin as part of a stable food in your home, then it’s time to reconsider your choice. Not only is it delicious when cooked on its own, but its seeds carry enormous benefits to the human body. This is because they are an excellent source of potassium, which helps to curb the symptoms of anxiety. And this could be one of the reasons as to why they are highly recommended for individuals suffering from hypertension. In addition to that, the seeds provide beneficial mineral zinc, which is known for its mood elevation capabilities.

Also, the seeds help regulate insulin and due to their high content of digestible proteins, they are very helpful when it comes to weight loss. Their fiber content is also amazing. And as you all know, the longer it takes the body to digest it, the fuller you feel and the less you eat. You can choose to eat them raw or toasted as a snack, use them in baking and soups or part of your diet as salads. Whichever way you choose, you will definitely appreciate the results.

#6. Yogurt

You will be glad to learn about the various advantages of fermented foods (yogurt included) to your body. Apart from providing with the much needed helpful bacteria for your gut health, adding it to your diet helps deal with anxiety. But how? Its helpful bacteria, lactobaccilus and bifidobacteria that have a positive impact on brain health. Its benefits also stretch to fat burning, especially the low-fat one with few calories. You also get to strengthen your bones while at it. You can add blueberries to it and snack on it or use it as part of a marinade for foods.

The Bottom Line

In our daily lives, stress and anxiety are inevitable. However, it’s when they begin to take a toll on us that it becomes much harder to meet our weight loss goals and other life challenges. Therefore, working on them both is a surefire way to improve our general health and wellness.

And while overall lifestyle changes are going to be necessary to maintain our anxiety and weight for the long haul, we can easily start this process today by paying more attention to the various types of foods we eat. The six foods we’ve looked at here today can help us get started down that path!

About Shannon Clark

Shannon holds a degree in Exercise Science and is a certified personal trainer and fitness writer with over 10 years of industry experience.