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7-day Meal Plan For Anxiety

Dealing with anxiety and looking for dietary support? Our 7-day meal plan for anxiety focuses on calming, nutritious foods. We'll guide you through meals that can help soothe your mind and show you how to create a stress-free shopping list. Let's eat towards tranquility!

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Meal plan grocery list

  • Chamomile tea
  • Whole grain toast
  • Almond butter
  • Banana
  • Quinoa
  • Spinach
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Avocado
  • Chickpeas
  • Lemon
  • Tahini
  • Salmon
  • Broccoli
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Green tea
  • Whole grain English muffin

  • Cream cheese
  • Smoked salmon
  • Turkey
  • Whole wheat tortilla
  • Mixed berries
  • Tofu
  • Bell peppers
  • Brown rice
  • Greek yogurt
  • Blueberries
  • Oats
  • Almonds
  • Chicken
  • Vegetable soup
  • Whole grain crackers
  • Shrimp
  • Brussels sprouts

  • Vanilla yogurt
  • Granola
  • Strawberries
  • Honey
  • Lentils
  • Vegetable curry
  • Chicken breast
  • Green beans
  • Cinnamon
  • Oatmeal
  • Apples
  • Chia seeds
  • Black beans
  • Corn
  • Cilantro
  • Lime
  • Tilapia
  • Asparagus
  • Herbal tea
  • Whole grain bagel
  • Cucumber
  • Feta cheese
  • Turkey breast
  • Mixed berries
  • Carrot sticks
  • Cod

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Article Reviewed
• Written by our editorial team.
• Published on December 19, 2023.
• Updated on August 5, 2024.

Meal plan overview

Dealing with anxiety? Our 7-day meal plan for anxiety focuses on calming, nutritious foods. It includes ingredients known to reduce stress, such as magnesium-rich leafy greens and omega-3 fatty fish.

This plan is about eating foods that help soothe your mind and reduce anxiety symptoms.

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

Incorporate magnesium-rich foods like spinach and almonds to help manage stress and anxiety levels.

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 7-Day Meal Plan For Anxiety focuses on nutrient-rich foods that support mental well-being. This plan includes omega-3 fatty acids, complex carbohydrates, and foods rich in vitamins and minerals that may help alleviate anxiety symptoms. By emphasizing a balanced and varied diet, the plan contributes to overall emotional and mental health, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.

7-day Meal Plan For Anxiety breakdown pie chart
Recommended nutrient breakdown

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Fiber

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How to budget on this meal plan

To budget this anxiety-reducing meal plan, focus on whole, unprocessed foods that are versatile and cost-effective. Buy grains like quinoa, oats, and brown rice in bulk. Opt for seasonal fruits and vegetables, and consider frozen berries for smoothies and toppings. Use beans, lentils, and chickpeas as affordable protein sources, complementing them with eggs and smaller portions of meats like chicken and turkey. Plan meals that use similar ingredients to reduce waste, such as using spinach in salads and smoothies. Choose store brands for items like almond butter, yogurt, and whole grain products. Cook in larger batches for leftovers, saving both time and money.

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Extra tips ✨

Any healthy snack ideas?

These calming snacks can be beneficial for managing anxiety:

  • Whole grain toast with avocado
  • Yogurt with mixed berries
  • Almonds or walnuts
  • Cottage cheese with pineapple
  • Dark chocolate squares
  • Herbal tea with honey
  • Banana with peanut butter
What should I drink on this meal plan?

For those managing anxiety, calming beverages are beneficial. Herbal teas like chamomile or lavender can help soothe nerves. Green tea, while containing caffeine, also offers L-theanine which has calming effects. Warm milk, especially when infused with a bit of honey, can be comforting. Fresh fruit smoothies, rich in vitamins, can also help regulate mood.

How to get even more nutrients?

Managing anxiety through diet can be quite effective. Consuming balanced meals rich in complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, can provide a steady release of energy and help maintain a calm mind. Incorporate plenty of magnesium-rich foods such as leafy greens and nuts, which play a role in relaxing the nervous system. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish like salmon and flaxseeds are also beneficial for mood regulation and overall brain health. It's also helpful to stay hydrated and limit high-caffeine and sugary foods, which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

Meal plan suggestions

7-Day Anxiety-Friendly Meal Plan

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Chamomile tea with whole grain toast, almond butter, and sliced banana (calories: 300, protein: 8g, carbs: 45g, fat: 12g)
  • Lunch: Quinoa salad with spinach, cherry tomatoes, avocado, chickpeas, and a lemon-tahini dressing (calories: 400, protein: 15g, carbs: 40g, fat: 20g)
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with steamed broccoli and sweet potato wedges (calories: 450, protein: 25g, carbs: 30g, fat: 18g)

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Green tea with a whole grain English muffin, cream cheese, and smoked salmon (calories: 350, protein: 15g, carbs: 30g, fat: 18g)
  • Lunch: Turkey and vegetable wrap with whole wheat tortilla and a side of mixed berries (calories: 380, protein: 20g, carbs: 40g, fat: 15g)
  • Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with broccoli, bell peppers, and brown rice (calories: 420, protein: 18g, carbs: 45g, fat: 22g)

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Blueberry smoothie with Greek yogurt, oats, and a handful of almonds (calories: 320, protein: 20g, carbs: 35g, fat: 15g)
  • Lunch: Chicken and vegetable soup with a side of whole grain crackers (calories: 350, protein: 15g, carbs: 30g, fat: 18g)
  • Dinner: Grilled shrimp with quinoa and roasted Brussels sprouts (calories: 380, protein: 25g, carbs: 35g, fat: 16g)

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Vanilla yogurt parfait with granola, sliced strawberries, and a drizzle of honey (calories: 280, protein: 12g, carbs: 40g, fat: 10g)
  • Lunch: Lentil and vegetable curry with brown rice (calories: 400, protein: 18g, carbs: 45g, fat: 15g)
  • Dinner: Baked chicken breast with sweet potato mash and steamed green beans (calories: 420, protein: 30g, carbs: 35g, fat: 18g)

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Cinnamon oatmeal with sliced apples and a sprinkle of chia seeds (calories: 320, protein: 10g, carbs: 50g, fat: 12g)
  • Lunch: Quinoa and black bean salad with cherry tomatoes, corn, and cilantro lime dressing (calories: 380, protein: 15g, carbs: 40g, fat: 16g)
  • Dinner: Grilled tilapia with roasted sweet potatoes and asparagus (calories: 400, protein: 22g, carbs: 30g, fat: 18g)

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Herbal tea with a whole grain bagel, cream cheese, and sliced cucumber (calories: 340, protein: 10g, carbs: 45g, fat: 14g)
  • Lunch: Spinach and feta stuffed chicken breast with quinoa and steamed broccoli (calories: 420, protein: 30g, carbs: 35g, fat: 18g)
  • Dinner: Turkey and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice (calories: 380, protein: 20g, carbs: 40g, fat: 15g)

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Mixed berry smoothie bowl with granola and a drizzle of almond butter (calories: 300, protein: 15g, carbs: 35g, fat: 12g)
  • Lunch: Chickpea and avocado wrap with whole wheat tortilla and a side of carrot sticks (calories: 360, protein: 18g, carbs: 40g, fat: 15g)
  • Dinner: Baked cod with quinoa and roasted Brussels sprouts (calories: 430, protein: 25g, carbs: 35g, fat: 20g)

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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.