De-Stress With 5 Delicious Healthy Snacks for Stress Eaters

This article is brought to you by Light and Fit ®, part of the Danone family of brands and proud to support diverse voices

Sign-Up for a free subscription to The Black Wall Street Times‘ daily newsletter, Black Editors’ Edition (BEE) – our curated news selections & opinions by us for you.

Stress is a normal part of life that we all manage differently — from a high-impact gym session to gardening. If you’re prone to reaching for a sugary snack to comfort you through the ups and downs of life, you’re not alone. However, there are plenty of healthy snacks for stress eaters that can eliminate consumption remorse.

Contrary to popular belief, some foods can help you de-stress. In fact, they are more palatable than you may think. Here are some healthy snacks for stress eaters that will satisfy your cravings while supporting your weight and health goals. 

1. Chickpeas

Chickpeas contain stress-fighting vitamins and minerals. A study shows that people who eat a Mediterranean diet packed with legumes are less stressed and experience a better mood. 

Try tossing chickpeas with chili powder, black pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika and roasting them for a crunchy snack. To create homemade hummus, you can also puree chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice, salt, garlic, and olive oil.

2. Yogurt

Yogurt is a great, healthy snack for stress eaters. It contains gut-friendly probiotics, which may reduce stress and anxiety and improve your mood. Yogurt also contains magnesium, which bolsters relaxation. Try Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency.

In addition, you can also blend yogurt with fruit or vegetables to make smoothies for a change of pace. When you add spinach or bananas, you’ll get a dose of magnesium, known for reducing inflammation and calming the mind and body.

For those who are lactose intolerant, try non-dairy alternatives. Make sure to look for “live active cultures” or “probiotics” on the label to aid your gut health.

3. Almonds

Although very few things compare to the crunch of chips on your palate or a chunky cookie, almonds are a healthy snack for stress eaters that is a suitable alternative. Per Eating Well, almonds are a “source of healthy unsaturated fats and fiber.” In addition, the nut aids in improving cholesterol levels.

Enjoy almonds solo, in a cup of yogurt, or with a mix of fruits to satisfy your hunger and maintain your health and weight. 

4. Quinoa

Quinoa is a complex carbohydrate and a complete protein. This versatile grain contains magnesium, B vitamins, and tryptophan. Tryptophan makes serotonin, the chemical in our body responsible for mood regulation, among other things.

Mix quinoa with tomato, cucumber, spinach, and avocado with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt to taste for an easy salad. You can also mix quinoa with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs as an effortless healthy snack for stress eaters.

5. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a complex carbohydrate. All carbohydrates assist the brain in making serotonin, a chemical that influences happiness and hunger.

Slice sweet potatoes and cook them in a pan over medium heat until golden brown on both sides. Serve with hummus for a tasty snack. 

In addition to exercising and getting a good night’s sleep, food is another way to empower yourself and your body to manage daily stress. Exploring healthy snacks for stress eaters can make a big difference in what you see as stressful and your ability to cope and recover. If you’re controlling your circumstances as much as you can, here are some tips on how to cope with stress due to racism.