The holiday season can bring added stress, but the foods you choose may help create a calmer, more enjoyable experience. Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, and author, suggests simple dietary changes to reduce anxiety and promote well-being during Thanksgiving and beyond.

Dr. Naidoo emphasized that eating to reduce stress doesn’t have to be restrictive. “You can still enjoy the foods you love by making thoughtful additions,” she said. For those feeling unsure where to begin, her book, “Calm Your Mind with Food,” provides a comprehensive guide to these principles.