Anxiety, Almonds and Mind Fuel: How Andy the “Anxious” Aardvark Is Crunching His Way to Calm
- Bruce Schutter
- Jun 20
- 4 min read
Andy the “Anxious” Aardvark had tried everything to help him with his Anxiety.
Breathing exercises. Counting backward from 100. Reorganizing his sock drawer alphabetically (don’t ask). But no matter what he did, anxiety always seemed to sneak in—especially before work, after lunch, and literally any time someone said, “Let’s talk.”
That’s when Marvin the Mental Health Warrior Cat handed him a copy of Mind Fuel for a Mental Health Warrior and said, “You don’t just need a new mindset, Andy—you need a new snack strategy.”
Andy blinked. “You’re saying food can help with this?”
“Not just any food,” Marvin purred. “Warrior food. Like Almonds.”
Almonds: Andy’s New Mental Health MVP
According to the book, almonds aren’t just tasty—they’re tiny anxiety-fighting powerhouses. They’re packed with magnesium (nature’s anti-anxiety mineral), vitamin E (brain cell bodyguard), and healthy fats that keep you full, focused, and less likely to spiral because someone looked at you weird in a meeting.
Andy read the chapter on almonds three times. Then he ate six almonds and felt heroic.
Here are 3 ways he uses them today—with full Mental Health Warrior flair.
1. Pre-Meeting Crunch: Turning Dread into Calm
Andy used to dread Zoom calls. His paws would sweat. His thoughts would race. He’d mute himself, then unmute, then panic-mute again. He once introduced himself as “Anxious Aardvark, I mean Andy.”
Now? He shows up Almond-Powered.
Fifteen minutes before any meeting, Andy snacks on a handful of raw almonds. He focuses on the crunch. It grounds him. He repeats his go-to mantra: “I’m calm. I’m capable. And my camera is off, right?”
The magnesium kicks in, his energy stabilizes, and suddenly he's not just surviving the meeting—he’s participating!
Our Turn:
Before a stressful meeting, eat a few almonds—chew slowly, breathe deeply.
This works because the crunch gives your mind a sensory anchor, while the nutrients reduce anxiety and support mental focus—without caffeine or chaos.
2. Lunchtime Reset: From Spiral to Stability
Andy used to eat lunch like he was being timed—usually something sugary, carby, or straight out of a vending machine. Thirty minutes later? Crash. Spiral. Existential dread.
But now, he builds what he calls a “Warrior Bowl.” His favorite: spinach, quinoa, grilled chicken, a sprinkle of feta, and a handful of sliced almonds.
The almonds add texture, protein, and emotional balance—yes, emotional balance. It’s in the book. Look it up.
He finishes lunch and feels grounded, not groggy. Ready to face the afternoon—not Google “Do aardvarks need mental health help?”
Our Turn:
Toss sliced almonds into your salad, stir-fry, or wrap.
This works because almonds’ healthy fats and protein keep blood sugar stable, which helps keep mood stable—turning your lunch from chaos fuel to calm fuel.
3. Snack Attack Strategy: From Panic to Power
Andy still gets anxious. (He’s a Warrior, not a wizard.)
But when that 3 p.m. panic hits, he no longer grabs a sugary granola bar and regrets his life choices. He reaches for his homemade Dark Chocolate Almond Bites—just a few almonds coated in melted dark chocolate and chilled.
It’s his “calm candy.” A treat that tastes indulgent, fuels his brain, and reminds him: “I can enjoy things and still support my mental health.”
Our Turn:
Make a batch of dark chocolate almond bites or carry a small portion of roasted almonds with sea salt as an emergency warrior snack.
This works because it satisfies cravings and supports cognitive function—so you snack smart instead of stress-eat and spiral.
Why Almonds Work (According to the Book)
Bruce Schutter’s book, Mind Fuel for a Mental Health Warrior doesn’t just give you almond inspired recipe suggestions.
It explains why these little guys work:
Magnesium: Regulates stress response and stabilizes mood.
Vitamin E: Antioxidant support for brain function and long-term clarity.
Healthy Fats + Protein: Keeps you full and focused so you’re not chasing sugar or snapping at coworkers.
Simplicity: No cooking required, just grab, chew, and chill.
Andy’s Final Word on Almonds
“I used to think mental health was all in my head,” Andy says, popping a roasted almond and nodding solemnly. “But it’s also in your pantry.”
He holds up his copy of Mind Fuel for a Mental Health Warrior, smiles, and adds: “I still get anxious. But now I’ve got snacks, a plan, and almond breath. And honestly? That’s progress.”
So, if anxiety has been calling the shots, it’s time to snack smarter. Grab a copy of Mind Fuel for a Mental Health Warrior and learn how to start turning simple foods—like almonds—into powerful allies for your mental health.
Because sometimes, the best way to quiet your mind… is with a satisfying crunch. Warrior Style!
Bruce Schutter
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