Stressed Out? Dietitians Say You Should Stock Up On These Foods.

No, it's not wine.

As we pull sweaters out of drawers and take those first sugary pumpkin spice latte sips, there’s a feeling of celebration in the air. The days are crisper and the holidays are creeping up, but we’re all kind of stressed out, too.

Fall is all about jumping back into the hustle and bustle of life with longer workdays and a stricter routine. And getting back into the swing of things isn’t the only stressful thing on our brains: We also have a big presidential election coming up in which the stakes feel particularly high.

If you’re tempted to reach for the cabernet sauvignon and pour yourself an extra-large glass, we don’t blame you. But considering that alcohol is technically a depressant that also disrupts sleep, that’s probably not the best idea. On the flip side, certain foods can significantly lower your stress levels. To find out what they are, we consulted registered dietitians — here’s what they had to say.

Best Foods For Stress Relief

First things first: You can’t expect food to completely cure your stress, and if you’re chronically stressed out, it’s always important to seek the advice of a mental health professional. But as registered dietitian Maggie Michalczyk puts it, certain foods can provide support. “Some foods have different properties that can support our bodies and help ensure they are not vitamin- and mineral-depleted in times of stress,” she said.