Eat Your Way To Happy
As April arrives, bringing sunnier days and the promise of spring, it’s easy to forget that it’s also Stress Awareness Month. Dating back to 1992, this initiative has strived to help us live healthier and happier lives – and this year’s theme is #LeadWithLove. We could all do with a bit less stress and a bit more joy, and as Virginia Woolf once said: ‘One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.’ If you want the lowdown on some of the must-try foods that contribute to feeling like the best versions of ourselves, you’re in the right place!
In today’s fast-paced modern world, it can often feel like stress is inevitable. Whether it’s mindfulness, exercise, or sleep, there often seems to be too many factors involved in feeling calm, happy, and energised. Luckily, research shows that finding your zen has a lot to do with what’s on your plate, and getting the right vitamins and nutrients is the first step to success.
Thankfully, you don’t need a PhD in nutrition to navigate the world of stress-busting foods, just a few tips and tricks to get you on the right tracks. Containing magnesium, folate, and calcium, which can help soothe the nervous system, Spinach and Swiss chard are superstar ingredients. This recipe for Lamb Saag, using our Shoulder of Lamb is a fun way to jazz up your greens. With spicy foods having been shown to trigger the release of endorphins and dopamine, this dish’s spicy kick might be just what you need!
Chocoholics everywhere will rejoice to hear that dark chocolate has been shown to lower stress hormones due to high levels of magnesium and flavonoids. Cooking with chocolate can conjure some exciting and seriously delicious dishes, such as this Beef Stew with Chocolate which can be prepared with our Diced Steak for a hearty and comforting meal. Also on the list of soul-soothing snacks are berries. Their high levels of Vitamin C have been shown to boost energy and minimise stress responses. This recipe for Mini Venison & Blueberry Dogs would make an eye-catching canapé, pairing venison with blueberry conserve and balsamic vinegar in a sweet brioche bun. Our Venison Sausages are marinated in merlot with crushed juniper berries which are rich in antioxidants and more importantly, rich in flavour.
We all know that feeling hungry and tired is a disastrous combo – it feels terrible and the people around you probably wish you’d had a snack before they dared to speak to you! The boost we get from carbohydrates that provide a steady stream of energy is a natural way to increase serotonin. This includes oats, whole grains and sweet potatoes. Similarly, red meats such as beef, are high in protein and Vitamin B12 which can help reduce stress by bringing up energy levels and balancing our blood sugar. For a double whammy pick-me-up, try this Stir-fry Beef Chilli with Sweet Potato Jackets. Alternatively, if you fancy some fish, Salmon can be a calming influence on the brain, and is a source of omega-3 which reduces inflammation. This Smoked Salmon Grain Bowl is just an example of the many variations of this nourishing and vibrant dish, and our Wild Smoked Salmon is the perfect choice.
With each meal a chance to invigorate your day and help you feel your best, it’s definitely worth taking a moment to think about what you want to be putting in your body. From mindful eating habits to superfoods full of nutrients, there’s truly something for everyone. We all know that a good meal can help us unwind, but it's even better to hear that some foods come with a doctor-approved seal of relaxation! So, treat yourself this Stress Awareness Month in the most delicious way possible – Happy April!