When you plan your daily menu, you might not stop to think that what you put into your body can deliver stress-reducing benefits, but it can! Stress is a common problem in almost everyone's life.

Some people endure more stress than others, while other people can't seem to handle even small bits of stress that enter their lives. Your consumption of whole foods could help alleviate the anxiety and depression you feel so that you don't crumble under chaotic conditions.

Broccoli - Broccoli holds a good amount of B vitamins. These vitamins are known for their ability to help increase the levels of serotonin within your body. Serotonin is what raises our mood levels and helps us cope with everyday life.

Fish - Fish is excellent for vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. These will enable you to relieve some of the effects that stress has on your body. Fish is well known as a brain food, which helps you to think clearly and focus on the task at hand.

Almonds - These are good resources for vitamin B2, vitamin E, Zinc and magnesium. These vitamin-rich nuts are excellent mood regulators. They help to raise the levels of serotonin your body produces to help lower your levels of stress. Add the almonds to a broccoli dish and increase your chances of becoming almost stress-free just through your food choices!

Whole Grain Rice and Pasta - Even though pasta and some rice dishes are known for their high levels of carbohydrates, they're still two of the best stress relievers out there. Eat the whole grain versions because they're much healthier than the white ones, where nutrients are stripped out. The carbohydrates in pasta will break down into sugars within your body and your energy levels will increase, thereby decreasing your stress levels.

Blueberries - These are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which are lethal combinations for high levels of stress. Blueberries are also high in fiber, so they can help keep your colon healthy in the process.

Beef - Beef is another excellent resource for B vitamins and zinc. It also provides you with a nice amount of iron - all of which tackle the high levels of stress within your body. Be sure to pick lean cuts of beef since the fat can contribute to heart disease, which will put stress on your body.

Cottage Cheese - Cottage cheese is a rich, dairy product that provides us with a lot of B vitamins. The B vitamins increase your serotonin levels, which are what counteracts the effects of the stress. Double your benefits by adding some fruit like cantaloupe or maybe some blueberries to the cottage cheese.

It's natural for us to pick foods we crave as comfort after a long day at work, but you have to realize that if you make the wrong kind of food choices, you might add to your stress levels in the long run. Choose whole foods instead and reap the long-term rewards they have to offer!