The missing piece in your quest for stress relief and physical fitness recovery may be as simple as doubling down on protein-rich foods. When you get enough protein , you can build muscle, help the mind and body recover and allow the body to make essential hormones and neurotransmitters that boost your nervous system. Skip out on those protein-packed foods, and your body does not get the fuel it needs, which can mean you will soon burn the candle at both ends with your unprocessed stress levels.