Food of the Month for Stress: Oranges

Whenever possible, try to eat the whole orange instead of drinking orange juice 🍊The whole fruit gives you fiber, which helps slow sugar spikes, keeps you fuller longer, and supports steady energy—something caregivers truly need. Juice can still be helpful on busy days, but peeling an orange gives your body a little extra stress support with every bite. No perfection required—just a gentle reminder that the whole orange gives a little more back.

Stress comes with the caregiving role—often quietly, sometimes loudly, and usually without a break. That’s why we’re introducing a Food of the Month for Stress, starting with something simple, familiar, and easy to remember: oranges.

Why Oranges Help With Stress

Oranges offer gentle support for bodies under constant pressure.

• Vitamin C support: Oranges are high in vitamin C, which helps the body manage stress hormones like cortisol and supports immune health—especially important for caregivers under chronic stress.

• Hydration + energy: Oranges help with hydration while providing natural energy without a crash.

• Mood lift: The bright flavor and fresh scent of oranges can offer a small but meaningful mood boost during demanding days.

• Convenient and realistic: No prep, no planning—just peel and eat. Caregivers need nourishment that fits real life.

Making Oranges Easy to Remember

Caregivers don’t need complicated nutrition rules. The goal is simple and doable.

Ways to keep oranges in your diet:

• Keep them visible—on the counter, desk, or in your caregiving bag.

• Grab one before appointments or long errands.

• Add orange slices to breakfast or snacks, even on rushed days.

• Use orange as a visual reminder: when you see orange, think pause, nourish, breathe.

Looking Ahead

While we’re highlighting this mid-month, our goal is to share the Food of the Month at the beginning of each month going forward. Caregiving doesn’t always follow a perfect schedule, and sometimes support starts right where we are—but having a monthly rhythm gives caregivers one more gentle tool to lean on.

A Gentle Caregiver Reminder

There’s no such thing as “perfect” eating during caregiving. Choosing an orange is a small, kind step toward caring for yourself in the middle of caring for someone else.

This month, let oranges be your stress-support reminder—simple, nourishing, and within reach.