No matter how you vote, elections are stressful — especially when the ballot includes your country’s president, state representatives, and local legislation. On November 6, the 2024 presidential election came to an end with former President Donald Trump winning his campaign for re-election. The win has rattled some Americans, with many voters (especially those who supported Vice President Kamala Harris) left feeling upset and anxious for what’s to come during Trump’s second term.
Stress levels during the election are often at an all-time high, and it’s crucial to take care of your physical and mental health. For some, this can look like checking in with a friend, watching a favorite movie or TV show, utilizing mental health resources, or exercising. For others, self-care is as simple as eating.
Nutritionally what will happen tonight is off the record
— Lyz Lenz (@lyzl) November 5, 2024
“Food is more than energy,” Jenna Werner, a registered dietitian and owner of Happy Strong Healthy Nutrition Practice, told Spoon University in a recent interview. “Food provides emotional connection and evokes nostalgia or memories of joy, calm, et cetera, and people eat for more than just the nutrient density but to feel things.”
Ice cream, for example, contains sugar, which triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Ice cream also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that the body converts into serotonin, which is often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone since it helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite.
It’s important to take the shame out of the term “comfort food,” especially during highly stressful periods. “When our stress is high, we rely on tools to relieve the discomfort of stress,” added Werner, who affirms that eating foods that you enjoy, taste good, and satiate you “can absolutely be one of those tools” when it comes to decreasing stress load.
Werner, who also co-hosts the What The Actual Fork podcast, recommends eating the foods you are craving and enjoy for sentimental reasons when it comes to the ideal comfort food. According to the dietitian, though, “you should try to pair carb foods with a source of protein, fiber, and/or fat for best blood sugar management, satiety and overall health.”
For example, Werner understands that sometimes, a box of Kraft just hits the spot. “If you crave mac & cheese, adding in some fiber like broccoli is helpful, and some chicken sausage would be amazing,” she recommends. You can balance carbohydrate intake with protein, fiber, and fat for meals. And since it’s officially soup season, plenty of soups and stews include protein, fiber, and fat and can be the perfect comforting meal when paired with bread or crackers for dipping.
If making a full meal seems stressful, emulate Girl Dinner with chips (carbs), veggies (fiber), and dip (fat). If you’re looking for an easy distraction, try making this five-ingredient Buffalo Chicken Dip, which has an extra protein kick thanks to rotisserie chicken and cheese. Avocado toast is also a quick and easy breakfast, lunch, or snack that’s packed with healthy fats and fiber, and you can easily add an egg on top for extra protein or spice it up with Sriracha if you’re feeling fancy.
Sometimes, though, there is no specific food craving, and everything sounds bland or unappetizing. Regardless of physical hunger, though, it’s crucial to continue fueling your body. Werner recommends steering away from specifics, and instead focusing on texture. “Are you looking for a crunch? Is it smooth? Is it sweet?” Werner suggests. “You get the idea!”
If crunch is the texture you’re looking for, popcorn is a great option. Pop it yourself and add salt, butter, and spices; or opt for store-bought. You can never go wrong with some classic Act II, but we also love White Cheddar SmartFood and Himalayan Pink Salt Lesser Evil.
On the sweeter flip side, protein, fat, and carbs (aka the trifecta) are all in a Reese’s cup. Werner also suggests adding fruit to this combo for added fiber; you can melt down chocolate and peanut butter and dip it, or make these Chocolate-Covered Banana Sandwich Bites.
If you’re craving something sweet and smooth with a little more oomph than a Reese’s, try fruit and yogurt. Add sensory variety with frozen berries for temperature or cereal (bonus if it is fortified with fiber) for crunch. If you’re looking for an extra punch of protein to round out your meal, try Greek yogurt or Icelandic skyr — we love High Protein Chobani and siggi’s Icelandic Yogurt. If eating sounds like a big task, remember there are plenty of ways to drink nutrients, too. Try adding frozen fruits you enjoy, nut butter for extra protein and healthy fat, milk or juice, and even chia seeds or veggies for fiber.
This period of turnover and transition can be difficult, and it’s most important to take care of you. Outside of comfort foods, Werner suggests focusing on hydration and adequate sleep hygiene, as well as “expanding the tools in your stress management tool box” to achieve overall well-being and decrease stress. While having more resources than just food is important to calm your nerves, these meals and snacks may help comfort and satisfy you during this stressful time.
No one said you can’t have fast food, if that’s what you’re craving. If you head to McDonald’s, try pairing your fries with a burger or sandwich. If you head to Taco Bell, consider adding lettuce or tomato for some extra veg. Whatever you’re feeling, take care of you — and yes, absolutely get that Wendy’s frosty.