Key Nutrients in Meal Planning for Stress & Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder. Stress and anxiety often occur together, and when left untreated, chronic stress can increase your risk for conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.

If you struggle with stress and anxiety, you can help make dietary changes to improve your mental health. Stress and anxiety treatment can involve therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes, with nutrition playing an important role in managing the condition by regulating neurotransmitters and blood sugar levels.

This program covers:

  • Key nutrients to include in your meal plan.
  • Meal ideas to manage stress and anxiety.
  • Lifestyle interventions to provide symptom relief.

Key Nutrients in Meal Planning for Stress & Anxiety

Magnesium

Research shows that magnesium plays a role in migraines and depression. It can help with chronic pain and anxiety. Many people do not reach their daily recommended magnesium intake through diet, which contributes to hypomagnesemia and increases anxiety-related behaviours.

Foods naturally rich in magnesium may help people feel calmer such as spinach, pumpkin seeds, legumes, bananas, and oats. These foods are also good sources of the amino acid tryptophan, converted to serotonin in the body and may promote relaxation and anxiety relief.

Vitamin B6

Getting enough vitamin B6 through diet is an important way to support the body during stress and reduce anxiety. Women who consume more vitamin B6 are less likely to experience anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Vitamin B6 is also more effective when combined with magnesium in adults with severe stress.

 

Key Nutrients in Meal Planning for Stress & Anxiety

Iron & Vitamin C

Low iron is a known contributor to anxiety and depression. Women who are more likely to experience anxiety are also more likely to have low iron status.

There are two types of iron found in foods: heme iron (from red meat and other animal products) and non-heme iron (from spinach, legumes, and dried fruit). High–quality protein sources typically contain more iron and produce the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which have the potential to improve mental health.

For better absorption of non-heme iron, we encourage you to pair it with vitamin C-rich foods like citrus, tomatoes, or peppers at mealtime. These foods also have antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation and prevent damage to cells.

Key Nutrients in Meal Planning for Stress & Anxiety

Fibre

Fibre is an important nutrient to reduce anxiety. It helps to balance blood sugars and feeds gut bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids, which can decrease anxiety. We help you increase fibre intake by including whole grains, legumes, seeds, and cruciferous vegetables on your meal plan.

Key Lifestyle Considerations for Stress & Anxiety

Exercise

Physical activity lowers the stress hormone cortisol and increases endorphins which improve mood. It activates parts of the brain which control our stress response and increases the availability of important anti-anxiety neurochemicals.

Exercise has also been shown to reduce inflammation and improve sleep quality, improving physical and mental stress. We encourage you to participate in joyful movement to decrease muscle tension, lowering the body’s contribution to feeling anxious.

Hydration

Even mild dehydration can affect your mood. However, helping you find the right types of fluid is essential. Consuming large amounts of caffeine, either from coffee, caffeinated tea, or energy drinks, can increase anxiety and symptoms such as heart palpitations and jitteriness.

Beverage options that include chamomile and turmeric may help reduce anxiety. Chamomile and curcumin in turmeric contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help lower inflammation associated with anxiety.

Tip: We have included this Calming Chamomile Lavender Mint Tea and Golden Turmeric Latte on your meal plans.

Key Nutrients in Meal Planning for Stress & Anxiety

Therapy

Stress and anxiety may require a multitude of approaches to manage effectively. Along with a balanced diet, exercise, and adequate sleep, you will benefit from seeing a doctor or psychologist for talk therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy. 

Tip: Check out our ready-to-use Stress & Anxiety Support Program and Plant-Based Stress & Anxiety Support Program. These programs have been carefully designed to include key nutrients to help support you with stress and anxiety, including magnesium, vitamin B6, iron, vitamin C, and fibre. Both programs include a 7-day meal plan, itemized grocery list, recipes, a prep guide, and supporting evidence. The programs are fully customizable based on your energy needs and preferences.

 If you think you would benefit from a Nutrients in Meal Planning dietician approved stress and anxiety program, please get in touch via your member app or use the live chat widget on our website. This program is FREE and is also available as a Plant-Based option. Our Stress & Anxiety program will help you become fitter, strong and happy.

Team Warehouse GYM & Fitness

The information provided in this plan is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. None of our services shall be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. We cannot and do not provide medical advice. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before altering your diet.