You’ve heard of stress-eating, right?  You’ve heard it’s a bad thing, right?  Well, I’m here to tell you that if you eat the right foods during a stressful time you may be helping your body calm down.

These tasty, easy to find foods can soothe stress.

Almonds, Pistachios, Walnuts These nuts are loaded with Vitamin E and antioxidants.  Just 1/4 cup per day will help keep your blood pressure in check when you’re feeling stressed.

Avocados The thick creamy texture of an avocado can actually help curb those frantic feelings brought on by stress.  Yes, avocados contain fat but it’s the good kind (monounsaturated fat, a.k.a. MUFA).  Just one has more potassium than a banana!

Oatmeal Carbs stimulate the brain to produce serotonin.  Oatmeal is a high fiber carb that is digested more slowly than other foods.  So, the slower the absorption the more steadily the serotonin flows.  Steel-cut oats are the best but if you’re short on time go for the instant variety.

Oranges The magic nutrient in oranges is, of course, Vitamin C.  This fresh food can help your blood pressure and cortisol (a stress hormone) levels return to normal faster.

Salmon The arch-enemy of stress hormones is Omega 3 fatty acids!  Salmon is a great source of Omega-3s.  Three ounces of this fish twice a week can provide you with the amount you need.  Other fish that contain Omega-3s include mackerel, herring and light tuna.

Spinach This leafy-green contains Magnesium.  This mineral can help lower your stress levels.  Not getting enough magnesium can make you feel headachy  and fatigued for no obvious reason.  Use it in place of lettuce.  Just one cup can provide 40% of your daily value.