The Healthiest Election Day Food and Drink Ideas

Delicious turkey and raspberry salad for holiday.: Turkey helps produce the feel-good hormone serotonin, which you may need on Election Day.
© (iStockPhoto) Turkey helps produce the feel-good hormone serotonin, which you may need on Election Day.

Add these 10 products to your diet and feel the stress melt away. Election Day has finally come – and I don't think it would be wrong to say that most of us are so over the craziness that has accompanied this election over the past year. We are ready to move on. However, today is not going to be easy. This election has caused major anxiety, actually leading more individuals to seek counseling or to increase their visits to their existing therapists. Those anxieties will likely only be elevated today as we wait for the results.

Fortunately, food and drink can help – and that's a nonpartisan claim. No matter who or what boils your blood today, try calming yourself by including these 10 potentially stress-relieving items to your diet:

1. Asparagus

Low levels of folic acid have been linked to depression. But you only need to eat four stalks of asparagus to acquire 22 percent of the recommended daily allowance of this mood-enhancing nutrient. Toss some into an omelet, dip a few blanched stalks into hummus or roast some in olive oil for dinner.
2. Avocado

Diets rich in monounsaturated fats are associated with lower blood pressure, and avocados are packed with them. Have some avocado toast for breakfast or add some slices to a salad or sandwich at lunch.

Flaxseed can help reduce your blood pressure naturally: <p>Lower your blood pressure, reduce your risk of stroke, and slim down with these tasty foods. </p><p>Imagine you're at a routine physical when you hear the five words you've been dreading: you've got high blood pressure. Suddenly, it feels as though everything has changed in an instant. </p><p>For many of us, our blood pressure and our overall circulatory health aren't much of a consideration until our doctor informs us our blood pressure is too high, we're saddled with a diagnosis of hypertension, or, in the worst case scenario, we fall victim to a stroke. However, a few bad BP readings can quickly lead to a lifetime of health problems, increasing your risk of heart attack, stroke, and an early death. Even worse, the number of people struggling with high blood pressure continues to climb; the <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_bloodpressure.htm">CDC</a> estimates that a third of Americans have high blood pressure, and of those individuals, only half have it well-controlled. Unfortunately, this blood pressure crisis has a body count: more than 1,100 daily deaths can be attributed to high blood pressure-related conditions.</p><p>It's time to fight back. Getting your blood pressure under control is essential for living a long, healthy life, and fortunately, the right food is the best medicine. To reduce your chance of having a serious cardiovascular event or eating yourself into an early grave, <a href="http://www.zerobelly.com/cut-your-heart-disease-risk-with-these-foods">Cut Your Risk of Heart Disease With These Foods</a> and start adding the 42 Foods That Fight High Blood Pressure to your diet today!</p> 42 Foods That Fight High Blood Pressure 3. Blueberries


The antioxidants, especially vitamin C, found in blueberries may improve your body's response to stress by repairing and protecting your cells from free radicals. Mix the berries into a morning bowl of oats, toss them into yogurt as a snack or simply enjoy them alone.

4. Salmon

Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and may counteract the negative effects of stress hormones. Have poached salmon over greens for lunch or grilled at dinner. Or, try smoked salmon with avocado on whole-grain toast for a delicious and soothing morning meal.
5. Spinach

Research has shown that magnesium, a nutrient found in spinach and other leafy greens, may help decrease depression, fatigue or irritability. In other words, it can have a comforting effect. Saute spinach with garlic and oil for dinner, enjoy it at lunch as part of a mixed green salad or scramble it with eggs for breakfast.

6. Turkey

Turkey isn't just for Thanksgiving. Packed with the amino acid tryptophan, which is found in protein-containing foods, the meat helps produce serotonin (aka the "feel-good hormone"). Grab a turkey sandwich for lunch or try some turkey lettuce wraps as a midday snack.

7. Oatmeal

According to research, high-fiber carbohydrates can also help the brain make serotonin. And because fiber digests more slowly than simple sugars, it won't cause a spike in blood sugars that can cause you to become irritable. Enjoy your favorite version of oats for breakfast, or consider using some as "bread" crumbs to coat some baked chicken cutlets.

8. Chocolate

Today might be one of those days where you really want to grab a piece of chocolate. So go for it! The antioxidants in cocoa may trigger the walls of your blood vessels to relax and help to lower your blood pressure. Just remember to keep your serving size small; for example, a single square or two. The last thing you want is to overeat the chocolate and feel stressed about that too!
9. Tea

Tea is one of those drinks that's been shown to have a calming effect, but it isn't quite clear yet which properties of the tea are exactly responsible for it. Some, though, believe it's strictly the ritual of making and drinking the tea that's calming. In any event, start boiling the water or head out and buy yourself a cup.

10. Alcohol

Alcohol is known to be a central nervous system depressant; therefore, it may lower your blood pressure and take the edge off your tension. I, for one, will be drinking an ice-cold martini tonight as I watch the results. I suggest you do the same, or enjoy whatever your drink of choice is. However, don't drink too much: No matter what happens, we still have work in the morning.

Food for thought: What you eat isn’t just about keeping yourwaistline small – it’s about keeping your brain healthy as well. The foods youeat, especially foods high in antioxidants, can help ward off dementia and improve your brain health. As Stony Brook University registered dietitian Stephanie May tells students, choosing colorful fruits and vegetables – and avoiding processed foods – will fuel you for success. Get started with these nine options:
9 Foods That Can Keep Your Brain Sharp


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