Going through a hectic period in your life? Or prone to feeling a little anxious from time to time?

Many things can help, of course, like talking to a friend, or even exercising, as being physically active is proven to help with feelings of tension and anxiety. But did you also know that food can make a huge difference? According to Kim Suddeath, a registered dietitian and holistic wellness expert, who recently listed some of her favourite anxiety-beating foods over on Mindbodygreen.com, what you eat can absolutely help you curb any feelings of stress and worry. What to go for? Here are Suddeath's top three picks for a calmer you: 1. Oats Keep eating those overnight oats, ladies, they are even better for you than you knew. In fact, this breakfast staple is packed with vitamins and minerals—such as B-vitamins, magnesium, and fiber—that help to control stress and reduce anxiety. "Because oats are whole grains containing complex carbohydrates, eating them is a great way to increase serotonin production," says Suddeath. Kick-start your day with a filling bowl of stress-reducing goodness. 2. Cashews This nut is an excellent source of zinc, which Suddeath describes as "a trace mineral essential for brain function" and "like a behind-the-scenes agent when it comes to anxiety." Zinc converts vitamin B-6 to its active form, which helps synthesize serotonin, the neurotransmitter involved in maintaining mood balance. 3. Dark chocolate We've got some great news for you, ladies – and that is that chocolate (at least the dark, bitter variety) is actually good for you. "Not only does dark chocolate contain antioxidants and magnesium, but it also contains an interesting fatty-acid neurotransmitter called anandamide," explains Suddeath. "Anandamide has mood-lifting effects in the body and has recently been found to reverse stress-induced anxiety in mice." (Feature image via Half Baked Harvest/Instagram)