Salad for dinner? My nervous system says thank you.

Okay, I’ll admit it: I used to think salads were a bit boring. Like something you order at a fancy restaurant and instantly regret. But lately, I’ve been choosing a big, colourful bowl of greens for dinner… and surprisingly? I’ve never felt calmer.

Turns out, salad isn’t just a side dish for people who “meal prep” in matching sets. It’s a whole nervous system regulation tool, if you build it right.

If your body’s been feeling a little wired, tired, or like it’s just… not vibing, here are 3 ways eating salad can help you feel more grounded, balanced, and like a slightly more chill version of yourself:

1. It’s packed with magnesium, aka the calm-down mineral

A well-built salad (I’m talking dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, arugula) is loaded with magnesium, a mineral that literally helps regulate your nervous system. It’s been shown to ease anxiety, support sleep, and help your muscles relax.

I didn’t realise how deficient I probably was until I started sleeping better after a week of regular greens. Magnesium helps keep cortisol (your stress hormone) in check, and that alone makes a salad worth the chop.

Try adding: pumpkin seeds, avocado, or even a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings (yes, really), they’re all magnesium-rich.

2. It supports gut health, and your gut is your “second brain”

Here’s the thing: your gut and your brain are in constant conversation. So if your digestion is off, your mood probably will be too.

Salads are an easy way to pack in fiber, which helps feed the good bacteria in your gut. And when your gut feels good? You’re more likely to feel mentally clear, emotionally stable, and less like you want to cry at a random TikTok.

Add-ins to try: fermented foods like kimchi, a little sauerkraut, or even a dollop of plain Greek yogurt-based dressing. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.

3. It’s a low-stress, high-satiety meal (aka your blood sugar will love it)

A big salad with the right balance of protein, healthy fats, and slow carbs keeps your blood sugar stable, which is key to feeling emotionally and physically grounded. No 4 p.m. crash, no snapping at people for no reason.

You’re essentially giving your body what it needs without overwhelming it. It’s light, but filling. Nourishing, not numbing. Which makes a huge difference when you’re trying to be productive and stay sane.

My formula:
Greens + protein (grilled chicken, tofu, eggs) + healthy fat (avocado, olive oil, nuts) + a little crunch (cucumber, radish, seeds). Bonus: it looks pretty and tastes amazing.

And honestly? That’s enough for me right now.

If you’ve been craving a reset, not a full lifestyle overhaul, just something simple that makes you feel better in your own body, this might be the habit to try.
(Plus, it makes you feel a bit smug in the best way possible. Like, “yes I did eat something green today. Go me.”)

Small wins are still wins.