1. Fatty Fish

Salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring are great examples of fatty fish that are packed with vitamin D and omega-3 fats. Among their many health benefits are mood regulation and stress reduction. It's easy to add to your diet; just cook it up at home or go out and have a chef, with all the restaurant supplies needed, make the perfect wild salmon.  

2. Sweet Potatoes

In a well-balanced diet, carbohydrates are an excellent source of energy, as long as you eat the right ones in the proper amount. Sweet potatoes are whole and nutrient-dense, making them an excellent source of carbs, and they can also help reduce stress. Studies have shown that if you replace refined carbs with a whole, nutrient-dense carb like sweet potatoes, you might see a reduction in cortisol, the stress hormone.

3. Matcha Powder

Matcha is a powder made from green tea. You've probably seen it around because it has been trending in the health food industry for quite some time. It's also easily recognizable for its vibrant, green color. What you may not know is that it also has strong stress-relieving properties because it contains an amino acid called L-theanine. If you consume it in the right amount and limit your caffeine intake, you may notice a reduction in stress within a few weeks. 

4. Eggs

Eggs are full of vitamins and nutrients that help to relieve stress. The white and yolk combined are dense with minerals, antioxidants and amino acids. They also contain choline, an essential nutrient that has been proven to support brain health and regulate cortisol. They're are clearly called nature's multivitamin for a reason.  

5. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a staple ingredient in the kitchen and makes a healthy substitute for butter. In 2015, UC Davis released a study on how olive oil affects blood pressure. The results showed a decrease in systolic blood pressure from just two tablespoons of olive oil per day. In addition to being one of the healthier fats to add to your diet, it has also been proven to increase levels of serotonin, the happy hormone.

6. Strawberries

You may already know that strawberries are great sources of fiber, but did you know they also provide a healthy dose of vitamin C? Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help you cope more efficiently in stressful situations. It has also been proven to help regulate blood pressure and lower cortisol levels. Strawberries are also a great treat when you want something sweet. 

7. Dark Chocolate

You may be surprised to know that dark chocolate has stress-reducing properties. Milk and white chocolate are packed with sugar. It makes them delicious, but it can also wreak havoc on your mood. Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and has fewer cocoa solids than milk and white chocolate. It can produce euphoria-inducing chemicals, such as serotonin, that elevate your mood and relieve stress.

8. Black Tea

Replace your morning coffee with a cup of black tea, and you may find yourself feeling a little less on edge throughout the day. In comparison to coffee and other herbal tea drinkers, black tea drinkers have been proven to have lower levels of cortisol. They also appear to manage stress better, and their bodies regulate stress hormone levels faster and more efficiently. 

Enjoying a relaxing dinner without laboring in the kitchen is another great way to catch some relief when you're under stress. Remember these stress-reducing items as you browse the menu. It's hard to go wrong with strawberries and dark chocolate. 

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