One day meal plan for anxiety
One day meal plan for anxiety incorporates the intake of food that may help in controlling and reducing stress and anxiety. This diet is all about incorporating magnesium-rich food, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants into your diet.
The mood stabilization and support for brain health is the core of this diet. It's all about picking food that will help nourish both body and mind and contribute toward a much-calm state of being.
Meal plan grocery list
- Whole grain bread
- Avocado
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Lentils
- Lettuce
- Spinach leaves
- Cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes
- Almonds
- Cheese stick
- Salmon
- Sweet potato
- Asparagus
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Jan. 26, 2024.
- Updated on Oct. 1, 2024.
Meal plan overview
Welcome to One Day Meal Plan for Anxiety, a nutritional approach to helping symptoms of anxiety. This meal plan incorporates foods rich in nutrients needed to stabilize and maintain mental well-being. Every meal is chosen because it can soothe the nervous system and, in turn, improve one's sense of well-being. Herein lies an opportunity to live through a day with eating as supportive of your mental health as it will be to your physical health.
Foods to eat
- Fatty Fish: Incorporate omega-3 rich fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, which can support brain health and reduce anxiety.
- Whole Grains: Choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats for sustained energy and to regulate mood.
- Leafy Greens: Include spinach, kale, and other leafy greens rich in magnesium, a mineral linked to anxiety reduction.
- Probiotic-Rich Foods: Consume yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other probiotic-rich foods to support gut health, linked to mental well-being.
- Lean Proteins: Opt for lean protein sources like chicken, turkey, tofu, and beans to provide amino acids important for neurotransmitter function.
- Colorful Vegetables: Eat a variety of colorful vegetables for a range of antioxidants and nutrients that support overall health.
- Nuts and Seeds: Snack on almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds for healthy fats and essential nutrients.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Choose complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and whole grains to regulate blood sugar levels and stabilize mood.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- Caffeine: Limit the intake of caffeinated beverages like coffee and energy drinks, as excessive caffeine can exacerbate anxiety.
- Processed Foods: Avoid highly processed and sugary foods, as they can contribute to mood swings and inflammation.
- Alcohol: Consume alcohol in moderation, as excessive alcohol intake can negatively impact mental health.
- High Sugar Snacks: Minimize consumption of high-sugar snacks and desserts, as they can lead to energy crashes and mood fluctuations.
- Trans Fats: Steer clear of foods high in trans fats, such as fried and processed snacks, as they may contribute to inflammation.
- Artificial Additives: Avoid foods with artificial additives and preservatives, as they may impact mood in sensitive individuals.
- Excessive Salt: Reduce intake of high-sodium foods, as they can affect blood pressure and potentially influence anxiety levels.
- Gluten (if sensitive): Some individuals with gluten sensitivity may find relief from anxiety by reducing or eliminating gluten-containing foods.
Main benefits
The mighty One Day Meal Plan for Anxiety addresses nutrient-dense foods that contribute to mental health. Indeed, this plan embodies foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, complex carbohydrates, and foods rich in minerals and vitamins that can help reduce symptoms of anxiety. For the purpose of the entire arc of emotional and mental health, the emphasis is on one delivering a good balance in diet and variety that encourages calm and well-being.
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
Reducing anxiety through diet can be aided by these food alternatives:
- Rye bread can be an excellent substitute for whole grain bread, providing a different fiber profile.
- Swap avocado with hummus for a creamy, nutrient-dense spread.
- Use mango instead of strawberries for a tropical twist rich in vitamins.
- Replace raspberries with blackberries to add variety to your berry intake.
- Chickpea pasta can be a great alternative to brown rice, offering a higher protein content.
How to budget on this meal plan
These would include whole grain bread, avocados, items that tend to be cheaper when bought in bulk. Berries can also be cheaper, frozen or in-season strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Lentils and salad greens can be bought in larger units cheaper. Almonds and cheese sticks are cheaper when bought in bulk.
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Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Snacks that may help soothe anxiety, rich in calming nutrients:
- Dark chocolate
- Yogurt with mixed berries
- Whole grain crackers with cheese
- Nuts, especially almonds and walnuts
- Celery sticks with peanut butter
- Herbal tea with honey
- Oatmeal with bananas
What should I drink on this meal plan?
Herbal teas, like chamomile or green tea, have a soothing effect on anxious patients. Water keeps the body hydrated and reduces tension. Warm milk at bedtime will make the person drowsy. There are beverages one should not drink, such as those containing caffeine, because it heightens anxiety symptoms. Fresh fruit juices with no added sugar is a relaxing but healthy drink.
How to get even more nutrients?
This is because a good diet, for anxious people, determines the stability of their mood. The complex carbohydrates in whole grains regulate blood sugar levels, hence alleviating mood swings. Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in fish like salmon and flaxseeds, foods renowned for their properties of mood stabilization. Magnesium-rich foods, from leafy greens down to nuts, and antioxidant-rich berries further regulate anxiety levels. Maintenance of hydration and avoidance of highly caffeinated and sugary food substances will also be helpful strategies.
Meal plan suggestions
One Day Meal Plan for Anxiety
- Breakfast: Whole grain toast with avocado and a side of mixed berries
- Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of mixed greens salad
- Snack: A handful of almonds and a cheese stick
- Dinner: Grilled salmon with sweet potato and steamed asparagus
Calories: 1450 Fat: 63g Carbs: 145g Protein: 80g
These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
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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.