![Water and Herbal Tea](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/herbal-tea.jpg?fit=380%2C280)
Water and Herbal Tea
Cut down on or avoid coffee, tea, fizzy drinks and cocoa which can overly stimulate the body. Drink water, herbal teas and fresh fruit juices instead.
![Breakfast Foods](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/orange_1.jpg?fit=380%2C280)
Breakfast Foods
In the morning, slice fresh fruit into whole grain cereals or porridge, and drink freshly squeezed fruit juice. Choose wholemeal toast with a high-fruit, low-sugar jam or yeast extract to satisfy your appetite while helping your body produce cortisol, the anti-stress hormone which helps wind you down.
![Light and Easy Meals](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/tuna-wrap.jpg?fit=380%2C280)
Light and Easy Meals
Eat light, low-fat, high-protein meals, such as griddle or grilled chicken or fish with a baked potato and green salad or steamed vegetables. Sandwiches or a soft tortilla with tuna, chicken, hummus or guacamole filling, served with carrot, pepper and celery crudités are also great options. So are sardines on wholemeal toast.
![Fish](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/salmon2.jpg?fit=380%2C280)
Fish
Fish is great for stress. Try serving it with buckwheat noodles and sprinkled with some sesame seeds. Any pasta with a tomato sauce is good, too. Choose carbohydrate-rich foods such as pasta, potatoes or rice for your evening meal, as these help the body to produce cortisol.
![Fruit](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/apricot.jpg?fit=227%2C199)
Fruit
Fresh or dried fruit (apricots, dates and figs) are a good source of fibre, vitamins and minerals and can help stabilize your system. Pumpkin and sunflower seeds, nuts (particularly walnuts) are also great anti-stress foods. You can also try rice cakes with yeast extract, hummus or wholemeal.