A Dietitian's View

But raw celery sticks aren't going to make your mouth water. Instead, mist or brush veggies with an herb-infused olive oil and roast in the oven; stir-fry veggies in a naturally sweet aromatic sauce made from a combo of fresh squeezed orange juice, brown rice vinegar, fresh grated ginger, and minced garlic; or whip veggies like spinach or kale into smoothies along with berries, almond milk, and coconut.

Don't "diet"

An eating plan based on deprivation and restriction will only set you up for more stress, frustration, and even anger. That's probably why research shows that women who strictly or repeatedly diet binge more frequently and weigh roughly 50 pounds more than those who don't diet. Instead of thinking about what not to eat, focus on what to eat, particularly foods tied to weight loss, including produce, whole grains, beans, nuts, and healthy fats like avocado.

Doesn't a salad made with romaine tossed with fresh pico de gallo topped with black beans, roasted corn, and guacamole sound a lot more appealing (physically and emotionally) than a bland "diet" plate of raw veggies and fat-free cottage cheese?

Drink more H2O and tea

In that same British study, water come out as the top stress buster. And a Japanese study found that people who drank at least five cups of green tea per day had stress levels that were 20% lower than those who drank less than one cup daily. Drinking tea has also been shown to boost immunity and reduce blood pressure, a major stress-busting combo. Plus, even the ritual of dunking your tea bag and slowly sipping your tea creates a calming effect. For an extra nutrient kick, add a squeeze of lemon-a Purdue study found that the addition boosts antioxidant absorption.

Grab a banana

Bananas get a bad rap for being diet busters, but they're actually a nutrient-rich, feel-good food. A recent Appalachian State University study, in which cyclists ate bananas, found that in addition to fueling exercise, the fruit triggered a positive shift in dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood. Some research also indicates that low dopamine levels may be tied to obesity. Plus, bananas are portable and neatly wrapped! Toss one in your bag, or incorporate into healthy snacks. Preslice bananas and store in the freezer to toss into smoothies; grill a banana in foil and drizzle with melted dark chocolate or sprinkle with chopped nuts; or make frozen banana pops as an ice cream alternative.

Reach for more cinnamon

Cinnamon has been shown to improve blood sugar regulation, which can make your mood more stable. And this aromatic spice also boosts brain activity. Research suggests that just smelling cinnamon can enhance brain function. That may be why cinnamon has been shown to improve scores on tests related to attention, memory, and visual-motor speed. Add a pinch to your morning cup of Joe; whip it into a fruit smoothie; fold it into yogurt along with fruit, nuts and toasted oats; and add it to savory dishes like lentil soup, black beans, and oven roasted cauliflower or eggplant.

Eat dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is an effective stress reducer for several reasons. First, it contains magnesium, which has been shown to fight, fatigue, depression, and irritability. Also natural substances in dark chocolate trigger the walls of your blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure and improve circulation. One recent study looked at volunteers who rated themselves as highly stressed and found that eating about an ounce and a half of dark chocolate every day for two weeks significantly reduced levels of stress hormones. Enjoy a few tasting squares every day as a "you time" treat, or incorporate dark chocolate into meals. Add it to oatmeal, whip it into smoothies, or if you feel adventurous, try combining it with herbs in savory dishes like chocolate vegetarian chili.