Managing stress is crucial for your overall well-being, as chronic stress can negatively impact your health. While it's impossible to eliminate all stressors, making mindful choices in your diet can significantly support your body's ability to cope with and regulate stress.
A balanced and nutritious diet that prioritises foods linked to better mental health may help improve your mood and decrease stress, anxiety. For instance, incorporating foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains like oats, can boost serotonin levels, promoting relaxation, calmness, and mood regulation. Similarly, recent studies highlight the stress-reducing benefits of pistachios, showing that including them in your diet can help lower systolic blood pressure, peripheral vascular resistance, and heart rate during periods of acute stress.
In addition to whole grains and nuts like pistachios, consider including fatty fish like salmon, which is packed with omega-3 fatty acids known for their stress-reducing properties. Fruits high in vitamin C, such as oranges, can also be beneficial for managing stress and supporting your overall well-being. By prioritising these stress-relieving foods, you can take proactive steps to enhance your mental and physical health. To get you started, be sure to try these yummy Serenity Squares!
Pistachio & Oat Serenity Squares
Ingredients:
1 cup raw shelled pistachios
1 cup rolled oats
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ cup maple syrup, plus extra for drizzling on top
2 tablespoons olive oil
⅓ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
A handful of chopped pistachios for topping
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celcius and line an 8-inch square pan with baking paper. Using a food processor with the S blade, blend the pistachios, oats, and salt until they form a coarse meal, about 30 seconds. Gradually add the maple syrup and olive oil as the processor runs until the mixture becomes a crumbly, slightly wet dough.
Press the dough evenly into the pan and top it with coconut flakes and chopped pistachios. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the coconut turns golden brown, and the dough is cooked but still soft. Avoid overbaking for a chewy texture.
Once cooled, lift the dough from the pan using the baking paper and cut it into squares. For extra sweetness, drizzle a little maple syrup on top. Store the squares in an airtight container for up to a week to enjoy as a stress-relieving snack.