Did you know, that the foods and beverages you consume the day before and the day of your presentation, can have positive or negative effects on your talk? Food is directly linked to your body. We can’t see how the food we eat goes and has different effects on our bodies, but research has helped us understand things better. There are certain foods for anxiety that greatly soothe and calm our minds, keep reading to know which they are.

“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.” 

Does food affect anxiety?

Why yes of course! it’s crucial to emphasize the vital role that diet plays in managing anxiety, especially given the prevalence of anxiety disorders in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders affect a staggering 40 million adults in the U.S., making them the most common mental illness, impacting 18% of the population. This means that a significant portion of individuals grapple with anxiety-related challenges daily.

While therapies and medications are available to help alleviate anxiety symptoms, it’s concerning that very few of those affected seek treatment. This highlights the need for a holistic approach to anxiety management, with diet being a central component. Proper nutrition is not just a complementary aspect but a fundamental pillar in supporting mental well-being. Let us understand this with this very fun scientific concept: 

The Gut-Brain connection

Think of it like this, your gut and your brain are like besties who chat all the time. That’s why what you eat can impact your mood and anxiety levels. They’re in constant communication through a complex network of nerves, chemicals, and hormones. This connection is called the “gut-brain axis.”

Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, collectively known as the gut microbiome. Think of them as the diverse cast of characters in a sitcom. Each microbe has a unique role to play.

These friendly gut microbes don’t just sit around twiddling their thumbs. They play a crucial role in digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and even influencing your immune system. But here’s the cool part: They also produce neurotransmitters like serotonin (the happiness hormone) and GABA (a calming neurotransmitter).

When your gut microbes are happy and balanced, they produce more of those mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. This means a healthier gut can contribute to a happier, less anxious you. It’s like a little microbe orchestra playing a soothing melody in your belly.

Research has shown that an unhealthy gut microbiome can lead to imbalances in the production of neurotransmitters. This can affect your mood and even contribute to anxiety and depression. So, when you nourish your gut with healthy foods, you’re essentially giving your bestie’s brain a helping hand in regulating those feel-good chemicals. It’s like making sure your text messages to your brain are filled with positivity and good vibes!

NO! Foods

Before we move on to what we should eat, we should discuss what we most definitely should not eat! Certain foods can contribute to discomfort and hinder your presentation. This list of foods that you should avoid, can be called the “NO! List.” This list includes:

1. Alcoholic Drinks 

Consider this: the idea that a glass of wine or a cocktail can be a pre-presentation nerve-calmer is a common misconception. It’s akin to suggesting that a surgeon should take a couple of drinks before performing surgery – not a sensible proposition. 

In reality, alcohol can have adverse effects on memory, which is already challenged when nerves are in play. It can further hinder your ability to recall what you intend to say. Excessive alcohol consumption can also impair vital functions like breathing, clear thinking, gestures, speaking, and concentration – all of which are critical for delivering a successful presentation.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that even one drink can leave the scent of alcohol on your breath. Those you encounter before and after your presentation won’t discern whether you had one drink or several. This is an impression you’d likely prefer not to leave behind.

Instead of reaching for a drink before your presentation, it’s advisable to save any celebratory toasts for after the event, a well-deserved reward for a job well done.”

2. Dairy Products

Dairy products have a notorious reputation for promoting the production of mucus in your throat. This mucous buildup can lead to an unwelcome and distracting symptom: the constant need to clear your throat. Imagine trying to convey your message while repeatedly interrupting your speech with throat clearing—it’s far from an ideal scenario. When we talk about dairy products, we’re referring to a range of favorites, including milk, ice cream, cheese, and yogurt. While these dairy delights can be delicious on any other occasion, consuming them right before your presentation can set the stage for throat discomfort.

3. Orange Juice

Similar to the discomfort caused by dairy, orange juice can also cause a thickening of saliva and result in constant swallowing.

4. Something New

 Perhaps you come across a special dish right before your presentation, one you haven’t heard of, and you might wanna hold off until the post-speech buffet. If your stomach isn’t accustomed to the ingredients and flavors of this new dish, there’s a risk of digestive discomfort. An upset stomach, bloating, or unexpected reactions can throw a wrench into your presentation plans. The last thing you want is to be distracted by digestive issues when you should be focused on your audience. Once your presentation is successfully delivered, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to explore and indulge in local cuisine without worrying about its potential impact on your performance.

5. Fatty Foods

 Fatty foods, such as hamburgers dripping with cheese, crispy fries, and gooey slices of pizza, are undeniably delightful on the taste buds. However, they come with a downside—they are extremely hard to digest. The high fat content in these foods can slow down your digestive system, leading to feelings of sluggishness and discomfort. Presenting effectively requires mental alertness and physical composure. Unfortunately, consuming fatty foods before your presentation can lead to a dip in energy levels. This drop in energy may leave you feeling lethargic and less capable of delivering a dynamic and engaging talk. Ex: Hamburgers, Fries, Pizza.

6. Soda: The Carbonated Caution

 Carbonated drinks, often referred to as soda, should be approached with caution before a presentation. They are known for causing digestive discomfort, including gas, burping, and bloating. These bodily reactions can be highly distracting and far from conducive to a smooth and focused presentation. Opting for more soothing and digestion-friendly beverage choices, such as room-temperature water or herbal teas, is advisable to ensure a distraction-free performance. Save the soda for post-presentation celebrations.

7. The Caffeine Conundrum

Coffee, a common choice for a pre-presentation energy boost, presents its own set of challenges. Caffeine, a diuretic, can increase the frequency of restroom breaks, potentially interrupting your speech. Moreover, caffeine’s drying effect on vocal cords can lead to throat discomfort and a less effective presentation. Additionally, jitteriness and nervousness induced by caffeine can negatively impact your composure. To maintain a clear and composed voice and to avoid potential distractions, it’s best to reserve coffee consumption for after your presentation, as a well-deserved treat to celebrate your success.

8. High Sugar Foods

High-sugar foods should be avoided before a presentation due to their potential negative effects. They can lead to abrupt spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, resulting in energy fluctuations that hinder your focus and performance. High sugar intake can also cause nervousness, dry mouth, and digestive discomfort, all of which can be distracting during a presentation. To ensure you’re at your best on stage, opt for balanced, low-sugar meals and snacks that provide sustained energy and mental clarity. 

 9. Avoid foods that may stick to your teeth

Before any presentation, it’s essential to steer clear of foods known to stick to your teeth, such as nuts, crackers, and thick leafy greens like kale. These sneaky leftovers can be distracting and embarrassing, potentially diverting attention from your message. Perform a quick oral check in front of a mirror before presenting to ensure your smile remains clean and confident, allowing your audience to focus on your words, not your dental mishaps.

To ensure a successful presentation, it’s advisable to opt for foods and beverages that won’t cause discomfort, distractions, or surprises during your talk. Save indulgences for post-presentation celebrations to maintain focus and composure on stage

The ‘Yes’ Foods 

On the day of your presentation, or if you wish to start a day prior, you can choose certain food options that will take your presentation from 50-60% to 100% effective. 

According to nutritionists, it’s important to understand which foods will keep your gut healthy and inflammation at bay. Overall, focusing the diet on wholesome, fiber, and nutrient-rich foods with plenty of healthy fats and clean proteins supports reduced levels of inflammation and stress, while also supporting satiety so we don’t reach for anxiety-inducing foods like sugar-sweetened beverages and processed snacks.

The foods here are particular stars when it comes to reducing inflammation and supporting a sense of calm and focus.

1. Prebiotic fiber

Incorporating prebiotic fiber-rich foods into your diet can be a potent strategy for managing anxiety and promoting overall mental well-being. Prebiotic fiber serves as nourishment for the beneficial bacteria residing in your gut, fostering a thriving microbial community that’s closely linked to reduced neuroinflammation and lower stress levels.

A variety of vegetables are excellent sources of prebiotic fiber, making them valuable additions to your daily meals. These include asparagus, garlic, onions, leafy greens, artichokes, legumes, mushrooms, and apples. By incorporating this diverse range of prebiotic-rich veggies into your diet, you ensure a supply of essential brain-boosting vitamins and minerals, all while benefiting from the advantages of increased fiber intake.

2. Berries

Berries, particularly blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, emerge as nutritional powerhouses for anxiety management and overall mental wellness. Loaded with an abundance of fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, these vibrant fruits support the cultivation of a healthy gut microbiome while actively reducing inflammation.

Blueberries, in particular, stand out due to their remarkable concentration of anthocyanin, a potent antioxidant renowned for its anxiety-reducing properties. By actively combatting oxidative stress, blueberries play a pivotal role in maintaining optimal brain health. An easy and delicious way to incorporate them into your daily routine is by enjoying a quarter cup of blueberries as part of a brain-boosting breakfast.

Furthermore, various fruits such as apples, prunes, sweet cherries, and plums also provide rich sources of antioxidants, further enhancing your dietary arsenal against anxiety. 

3. Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, renowned for their potent anti-inflammatory properties, serve as a formidable ally in both gut and brain health, making them a valuable component in anxiety management strategies. These essential fats can be found in abundance in certain foods, including fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and trout, as well as in smaller quantities in wild-caught varieties such as anchovies, tuna, and sardines. Additionally, nuts and seeds like walnuts and chia seeds also provide a source of these beneficial fatty acids.

Omega-3 consumption has been associated with a range of mental health benefits, including reduced anxiety, enhanced cognitive function, and improved mood. By supporting brain health and mitigating inflammation and stress, these fatty acids offer a holistic approach to fortifying your mental and emotional well-being, which can be especially advantageous when facing the challenges of a presentation or other anxiety-inducing situations.

4. Spices

Spices like turmeric (with black pepper to make it more available to your brain and body), cinnamon, saffron, rosemary, and ginger not only boost the flavor and color of our meals but are also rich in antioxidants, micronutrients, and anti-inflammatory compounds for improved mental fitness. When combined with healthy fats and clean proteins they offer anti-inflammatory benefits that contribute to mental fitness. Enjoying my turmeric latte each morning is one of my go-to practices for reduced stress and good energy throughout the day!

5. Fermented foods

These foods, teeming with live cultures, are excellent for maintaining and replenishing the population of beneficial bacteria in your gut, fostering an environment conducive to mental well-being. Some examples of fermented foods include sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, miso, and plain yogurts.

In particular, Greek yogurt stands out as a nutritional powerhouse. It not only provides essential protein, which aids in stabilizing blood sugar levels and promoting alertness but also contains probiotics. These probiotics play a pivotal role in supporting gut health, a critical factor in emerging research exploring the connection between gut health and mental well-being.

6. Complex Carbs 

Whole Grains- Foods like oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and brown rice are rich in complex carbohydrates. These carbohydrates provide a gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream, which helps maintain stable energy levels and can prevent the jittery feeling associated with anxiety. Whole-grain foods like bread and crackers offer sustained energy release.

A diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits is a healthier option – A balanced Diet.

As compared to eating a lot of simple carbohydrates found in processed foods. 

7. Magnesium

Foods rich in magnesium can be influential in managing anxiety, given the mineral’s involvement in crucial physiological processes related to stress and mood regulation. Leafy Greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with magnesium. Magnesium has been linked to the regulation of stress hormones and relaxation of muscles, potentially helping to ease anxiety.

8. Zinc

Foods containing zinc can significantly impact anxiety management due to their influence on various aspects of mental health and brain function. Oysters, for instance, are celebrated for their high zinc content, a mineral crucial for regulating neurotransmitters and promoting stable moods. Nuts and seeds like almonds, pumpkin seeds, and cashews provide not only zinc but also essential nutrients that aid relaxation and stress reduction. Legumes such as chickpeas and lentils, as well as whole grains like wheat and oats, offer zinc while helping maintain consistent energy levels and mood stability. Lean meats like turkey and chicken, with their zinc and protein content, support the production of mood-influencing neurotransmitters.

9. Potassium

Foods rich in potassium can play a beneficial role in anxiety management. Bananas are renowned for their high potassium content. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body, which can contribute to a sense of calmness and reduced anxiety. Additionally, bananas contain natural sugars like glucose and fructose, providing quick energy without causing rapid blood sugar spikes.

10. Dark Chocolate

Foods containing dark chocolate can have a positive impact on anxiety management, primarily due to the presence of certain compounds that contribute to mood improvement and stress reduction.

1. Flavonoids: Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, a group of natural antioxidants. Flavonoids have been associated with enhanced mood and reduced anxiety by promoting the production of feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin.

2. Phenylethylamine (PEA): Dark chocolate contains PEA, a natural compound that can elevate mood and increase alertness. PEA is often referred to as the “love drug” because it can mimic the mood-enhancing effects of falling in love. Not to the very extent of the actual feeling but slightly the same feeling.

Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content contains compounds like flavonoids that have been associated with improved mood and cognitive function. Enjoying a small piece can be a pleasant way to reduce anxiety.

11. Water

Hydration is key, and room-temperature water can keep you focused and your vocal cords lubricated. You are likely to get more dehydrated when you are nervous and under stress. So, hydration is key. Sip water that is warm or at room temperature to moisten your mouth and clear your throat before you begin. Ideally, add a wedge of lemon or lime to cut through any mucous buildup. 

The key is to eat things that are easy to digest.

You don’t want your stomach growling before you speak. Yet, you also don’t want to spew in the middle of a sentence. Eat light foods that are not greasy, spicy, and heavy in your gut. You know yourself best in the end, so try to reach a midway. Eat the food of your preference from the list above, and mix and match as per your taste. It’s important to note that individual responses to foods can vary, and the timing of your meal is also crucial. Eating a balanced meal about 1-2 hours before your presentation can provide you with sustained energy and help alleviate anxiety.

Conclusion: Nourishing Your Mind for Success

In the pursuit of delivering a remarkable presentation, every facet of preparation counts, including your dietary choices. Opting for anxiety-reducing foods that promote cognitive function, calmness, and clarity is a proactive step toward success. By avoiding foods that cause discomfort and embracing those that provide sustenance and focus, you’re equipping yourself with the tools necessary to conquer presentation nerves and captivate your audience. Remember, nourishing your body is not just a pre-presentation ritual but a lifelong practice that supports both your mental well-being and professional growth.

If you want to know how to effectively give a presentation, you can explore our coaching here.