We are in a time and place where people have developed an emotional relationship with food — we no longer eat to satisfy our physiological needs, we also eat to indulge an emotional craving.

Emotional cravings can be triggered by factors like stress, boredom, stuffing emotions, and more. Unfortunately, the current pandemic is making people more likely to experience these factors and, consequently, stress eat.

The good news is that you can turn stress eating into a healthy coping mechanism. Keep on reading to learn more about our best tips on how to deal with stress eating.

Why are Healthy Foods Important to Deal with Stress Eating? 

While comfort food and sugary snacks are tempting, it is important to remember that healthy food is the one that nurtures your physical and mental health.

Processed foods — known for high amounts of sugar, salt, or saturated fats — contribute to stress, fatigue, and anxiety. Unfortunately, these emotions play a big role in sustaining stress eating habits.

Healthy food is certainly the best choice you can make for yourself, especially if you are under quarantine restrictions and have 24/7 access to your pantry.

Healthy Snacks Options

The following healthy snacks are all included in our Z.E.N. Foods menus, which you can personalize according to your preferred foods and your body’s needs. 

Apples with Almond Butter

Almond butter spread on organic sliced apples — simple and delicious! 

Nutritional Benefits

The almonds provide vitamin E, fiber, healthy fats, and magnesium. Meanwhile, your body can benefit from fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C from the apples. 

Fresh Berry Parfait

This summer snack is made up of a mix of organic berries, greek yogurt, and a hint of honey.

Nutritional Benefits

Berries are low in calories and high in vitamin C. Berries are phytonutrient-rich foods, which are beneficial for maintaining good heart health.

Greek yogurt is a great source of calcium, healthy fats, vitamin B, and zinc.

Chocolate Raspberry Chia Parfait

Mix 1/4 cup of cacao powder, 1/2 cup chia seeds, honey/maple syrup to taste, and 1 & 1/2 cups of milk. Stir until combined and let it rest on the fridge overnight. Serve with fresh raspberries on top.

Nutritional Benefits

Chocolate and chia seeds are rich in antioxidants and iron. Also, chia seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and calcium.

Red raspberries are rich in vitamin C, ellagic acid (anti-inflammatory properties), and gallic acid.

Hummus with Sliced Veggies

Fresh veggies — sliced carrots, cucumber, and peppers  —  to snack with Mediterranean hummus.

Nutritional Benefits

Chickpeas — hummus’ main ingredient — are high in protein and fiber. They contain minerals like iron, phosphorus, copper, Manganese, and Folate.

Raw vegetables are a wonderful source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Mini Stacked Eggplant Parmesan

Cut the eggplants in half, drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake them in a 350F preheated oven for 35–40 minutes (until soft). Serve with Parmesan cheese and finish off sprinkling dry herbs (basil, rosemary). These eggplant bites are the healthy-delicious version of lasagna.

Nutritional benefits

Eggplants are a rich source of antioxidants, magnesium, phosphorus, thiamin, and vitamins C, K, B6. Plus, eggplant is a good source of fiber. This veggie is usually recommended for low-sodium diets.

Parmesan cheese is a healthy source of fats and protein. Parmesan contains zinc, calcium, vitamins B6, B12, and A.

Z.E.N. Foods wants to help you maintain a healthy relationship with food. Even when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, we assure you that our healthy diet plans are so tasty that they will completely satisfy your cravings. Reach out today to our nutritional consultants. We are here for you!