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Healthy snack diet plan for anxiety

Navigating anxiety can be tough, but snacking smart can make a difference. By choosing snacks that calm the mind and stabilize your mood, you can take small but meaningful steps towards feeling better. Whether it's boosting serotonin or balancing blood sugar, the right snacks can support your mental well-being in a tasty way.

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Diet plan grocery list

  • Almonds
  • Blueberries
  • Greek yogurt
  • Dark chocolate
  • Bananas
  • Edamame
  • Walnuts
  • Avocado
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Hummus
  • Chia seeds

  • Green tea
  • Carrot sticks
  • Strawberries
  • Quinoa
  • Oatmeal
  • Cashews
  • Turkey slices
  • Cottage cheese
  • Spinach
  • Brazil nuts
  • Seaweed snacks

  • Whole grain crackers
  • Bell peppers
  • Oranges
  • Salmon
  • Kefir
  • Celery sticks
  • Eggs
  • Apples
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Kiwi
  • Sweet potatoes

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Article Reviewed
• Written by our editorial team.
• Published on June 16, 2024.
• Updated on August 8, 2024.

Diet plan overview

Managing anxiety through diet can be simple and satisfying with a healthy snack diet plan for anxiety. The focus is on foods that stabilize blood sugar and support brain health, such as nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate. These snacks provide a steady energy release, helping to prevent the mood swings that can accompany anxiety. Incorporating omega-3 rich foods like walnuts and flaxseeds can also help reduce inflammation and support a calmer state of mind.

Pairing these snacks with foods rich in tryptophan, like bananas or dairy-free yogurt, can boost serotonin production, promoting relaxation. Hydration is crucial, so drinking plenty of water or herbal teas can further support stress management. By planning your snacks mindfully, you can help ease anxiety and maintain a balanced, peaceful mood throughout your day.

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Foods to eat

  • Dark Chocolate: Contains antioxidants and may improve mood by boosting serotonin levels.
  • Greek Yogurt: Rich in probiotics and proteins, which can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
  • Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help combat stress.
  • Almonds: A good source of magnesium, which may reduce anxiety by regulating neurotransmitters.
  • Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming effects and can be a great addition to your snack time.
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A healthy diet can give you more energy and help you feel good today. Making poor dietary choices—eating too much of the wrong kinds of food and too little of the right kinds, or too much food altogether—can send you in the other direction (...)

Walter C. Willett, M.D., Dr. P.H.

Foods not to eat

  • Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee and energy drinks can increase anxiety and disrupt sleep.
  • Processed Sugars: Foods high in sugar can cause mood swings and increase anxiety.
  • Fried Foods: Often high in unhealthy fats and can contribute to mood disorders.
  • Alcohol: Can exacerbate anxiety and interfere with sleep quality.
  • Sodium-Rich Snacks: Excessive salt can lead to dehydration and increased anxiety.

Main benefits

The healthy snack diet plan for anxiety offers some unique perks. First, it incorporates snacks rich in magnesium, which can help calm the nervous system and reduce stress. Also, the plan includes foods high in tryptophan, aiding the production of serotonin, a key mood stabilizer. Antioxidant-rich snacks can protect against oxidative stress, potentially easing anxiety symptoms. Plus, the diet emphasizes blood sugar stabilization, preventing mood swings that can worsen anxiety.

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📊 71% of people think they could improve their eating habits (Source)

How to budget on this diet plan

Shopping smart can really stretch your dollar. Buy in bulk when it comes to staples like oats, beans, and nuts. Stock up on sales for fresh veggies that you can freeze later. Swap pricey packaged snacks for homemade options like carrot sticks or fruit. Cooking at home not only helps control ingredients but also saves cash.

Don't overlook store brands—they’re often just as good as name brands but at a fraction of the cost. And when planning meals, go for seasonal produce; it's usually cheaper and fresher.

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Healthy Snack Diet Plan for Anxiety

  • Snack 1: Greek Yogurt with Blueberries and Almonds

Calories: 250  Fat: 10g  Carbs: 25g  Protein: 14g

  • Snack 2: Dark Chocolate with Strawberries

Calories: 200  Fat: 12g  Carbs: 18g  Protein: 2g

  • Snack 3: Banana with Cashew Butter

Calories: 280  Fat: 16g  Carbs: 30g  Protein: 5g

  • Snack 4: Edamame with Sea Salt

Calories: 150  Fat: 6g  Carbs: 13g  Protein: 12g

  • Snack 5: Cottage Cheese with Sliced Kiwi

Calories: 180  Fat: 5g  Carbs: 15g  Protein: 18g

  • Snack 6: Pumpkin Seeds and Apple Slices

Calories: 210  Fat: 11g  Carbs: 25g  Protein: 6g

  • Snack 7: Hummus with Carrot and Celery Sticks

Calories: 180  Fat: 9g  Carbs: 20g  Protein: 5g

  • Snack 8: Avocado on Whole Grain Crackers

Calories: 220  Fat: 15g  Carbs: 18g  Protein: 4g

  • Snack 9: Green Tea with Dark Chocolate Squares

Calories: 120  Fat: 7g  Carbs: 10g  Protein: 1g

  • Snack 10: Oatmeal with Walnuts and Oranges

Calories: 250  Fat: 8g  Carbs: 40g  Protein: 6g

  • Snack 11: Turkey Slices with Bell Pepper Strips

Calories: 120  Fat: 3g  Carbs: 8g  Protein: 16g

  • Snack 12: Salmon and Spinach Wrap

Calories: 240  Fat: 14g  Carbs: 5g  Protein: 22g

  • Snack 13: Kefir Smoothie with Chia Seeds and Strawberries

Calories: 180  Fat: 6g  Carbs: 24g  Protein: 8g

  • Snack 14: Sweet Potato Wedges with Sunflower Seeds

Calories: 220  Fat: 10g  Carbs: 28g  Protein: 4g

These nutritional values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Get grocery list
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⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.