Eat Away Stress

For most people, stress eating is not a good thing, especially if you head for chips or candy. But eating could help reduce your stress if you eat the right foods.

Marci Arthur has been a cook for 18 years. She knows the power of food. "Every food cheers me up," she tells Ivanhoe.

Of course, she has an opinion on which foods are best. "Citrus fruits definitely make you, gives you a high, natural high and that's what I think you're looking for in food," says Arthur.

Co-author of "Eat to Stay Young" and registered dietician Susan Mitchell, Ph.D., R.D., says Arthur's right. "Oranges are a great source of vitamin C and, really, the great thing about oranges is you really get the fiber content, instead of drinking the juice. So, if you're going to go one way or another, choose the orange," she tells Ivanhoe.

Remember this trick. "Think of it like a deck of cards with the Ace. A, C and E -- those three vitamins -- a simple, easy way to fight stress," says Mitchell.

Squash and eggplant are packed with those vitamins. To maximize your intake, Mitchell says go for red grapes instead of green grapes and sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes.

She says, "The brighter the color, the more the nutritional value."

Choose spinach over iceberg lettuce. Remember broccoli, carrots, tomatoes and strawberries are all good, too.

Remember, food is fuel. "For people that are highly stressed, eating every three, three and a half hours can make a big difference because it improves clarity," says Mitchell. "Food truly is medicine to a certain extent. It can change the way you feel, you feel about yourself, all of those things."

She also says a carbohydrate snack such as cereal, popcorn or even gummy bears right before bed can help you calm down. Remember these food recommendations are for people who are stressed and not clinically depressed.