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Writer's pictureMichelle Martin

Top ten foods that calm and de-stress

We are in the final week before Christmas and I can tell the anxiety is high. Just stopping in the supermarket today to get a few things, I noticed people zipping about distractedly, loading up their carts with a frenzied look and furrowed brow. Before you can say “Om” here is a repeat of the top ten naturally calming foods to help you "stay calm and soldier on" up through the end of 2019.


#10: Tulsi Tea (holy basil)

A tea made from the leaves of the holy basil plant, known to keep cortisol levels in check. You can find this in any health food store. A few drops from this wonderful plant in some hot water is all you need.

#9: Turmeric

Curcumin is the special ingredient in this spice, which helps combat inflammation and helps maintain liver health

#8: Sardines (recipe)

Omega-3s, baby! These little fatty fish are full of them and because they are small, you don't need to be concerned about mercury levels. Love this!

#7: Parsley (recipe)

Rich in stress-reducing flavonoids, this herb can be added to smoothies, salads, sauces, and stir-frys.

#6: Extra Virgin Olive Oil (recipe)

The polyphenols in EVOO helps combat inflammation, which is exacerbated by stress.

#5: Swiss chard

It's loaded with magnesium, the "anti-stress mineral", as is any leafy green, and can naturally soothe the nerves.

#4: Mushrooms

Stress reduces our vitamin C, which mushrooms can replenish, and further support your immune system.

#3: Pumpkin seeds

Rich in zinc, which helps the body manage stress, balance mood and support the immune system. Besides, these are great sprinkled on top of salad!

#2: Asparagus

Besides being loaded with anti-oxidants, asparagus contains tryptophan, which calms anxiety attacks.

#1: Turkey

Contains l-trytophan, the amino acid that helps produce serotonin, the "feel good" hormone.

So, there you have it. Add or maintain these foods in your daily routine and it will help to keep you sane this holiday season.


Here is a recipe that is quick, easy, delicious and incorporates three calming items in one meal!


Recipe: Pasta de Sardines

Ingredients:

8 oz pasta (I like fettucine) - cook per package instructions

2 TBSP EVOO

1 medium onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 lemon, juiced (vitamin C)

1 3.75 oz can sardines, in tomato sauce

red pepper flakes - to taste

1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Chopped parsley

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for about 8 minutes, or until almost tender.

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, and cook for a few minutes until soft, then add the garlic, and cook until fragrant. Stir in the sardines with their sauce. When the sardines heat through, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the pasta is ready.

When the pasta is almost done, drain, and add it to the sardine sauce. Stir, cover, and turn the heat off. Let stand for a few minutes to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Squeeze juice from the lemon over the pasta. Divide onto serving plates, and top with red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan cheese and parsley.


Would like six additional 30- minutes or less easy dinners for the rest of your busy week? Go here.

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