Shoulders tense, mind racing, heart pounding faster than your dog doing the zoomies? Sounds like you’re stressed, and if you’re stressed, you could do a lot worse than eat, drink, and be merry, right? Especially if you eat and drink this secret menu for ultimate relaxation foods. Here’s the scoop.
1. Secret Menu for Ultimate Relaxation Foods – Comfort Carbs That Won’t Judge You
Okay, so they may not always be the healthiest of choices, but if you’re feeling stressed out, sometimes a warm bowl of pasta or a big plate of mashed potatoes is the only thing that can comfort you. Not surprising when you consider that carbs can boost the feel-good chemical that is serotonin, right? The key is balance. If you have your comfort carbs today, maybe choose a salad tomorrow, and it will all be fine!
I’m not going to lie, when I’m sleepy or had a stressful day, a nice bowl of linguine and marinara sauce is not only comforting, it gives me a boos to get through the rest of the day. Actually, that’s what I had for dinner last night!
2. Secret Menu for Ultimate Relaxation Foods – A Sip of Zen: Tea Time to the Rescue
One thing the Brits know all too well, and that we could learn from, is that tea is basically spa water you can drink, and one of the best things to calm and comfort you when you need it most. From chamomile’s cozy hug for your nervous system to the delicate floral notes of lavender, tea is a mighty relaxation superhero disguised as a hot beverage.
3. Secret Menu for Ultimate Relaxation Foods – Going Nuts for Nuts
Don’t go nuts about stress—eat them instead! Almonds, cashews, and walnuts are full of nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins that help reduce tension. Snack on a handful (or two) when you’re feeling the strain. Plus, you can pretend you’re a squirrel preparing for winter as you stash away your nutty goodness. Squirrels are way too busy for stress, right?
4. Secret Menu for Ultimate Relaxation Foods – Dark Chocolate: The Sweet Peace Treaty
Dark chocolate is the sultry, velvet-voiced lounge singer of the dessert world. One square can make your taste buds do a little dance and your cortisol levels take a nose dive. Rich in antioxidants and known for its mood-boosting abilities, dark chocolate is the ultimate peace treaty between “I need to calm down” and “I deserve something sweet.” Just be mindful of portion sizes… or don’t. (We’re not judging.)
5. Holy Guacamole (and Avocados)
If self-care was a food, it would be an avocado. Creamy, smooth, and oddly expensive for a fruit with a pit that’s determined to never budge, avocados are packed with healthy fats that help lower stress and keep your brain firing on all cylinders. Whip up some guacamole, add a dash of lime, and watch your worries slip away—at least until you realize how many tortilla chips you just demolished.
6. Bubbly Beverages & Mocktails
Craving a celebratory fizz without the potential next-day regrets? Enter the world of sparkling water mocktails. Mix in some fresh fruit or a splash of fruit juice for a burst of flavor. Suddenly, you’ve got a party in a glass—no headache included. Pop in a cute umbrella or garnish with herbs (or maybe even drink a can of Herbal Oasis which contains lots of good things like herbs, mushrooms and THC to calm you down) and voila, you’re basically on vacation. Bonus: This doubles as a brilliant Instagram moment, if that’s your jam.