How are you feeling? Do you have stress in your life? Is it good stress or is it stress that is taking over your every waking moment? Is your stress causing you to eat quick and not so healthy foods?
Is it stress that has you thinking thinking about all the tasks that are on your todo list which is growing bigger every day? Do you find yourself checking a couple of things off but adding more than you are checking off?
Are your work deadlines and your overbooked calendar running you into the ground?
If you don’t take care of stress, stress will overtake your health, your thoughts, your behaviour, and your life!
What happens to your good healthy eating habits when you are stressed?
You tend to put them on the back burner! You grab something from the vending machine or You make a quick stop at McDonald’s or Wendy’s for lunch or dinner. It’s like you have no control over what you are doing. And this will NOT alleviate your stress!
In fact, it can make it worse!
When it comes to your ability to fight stress, making the right food choices can help relieve some of the stress you are feeling. Certain foods can help stabilize your blood sugar levels and your emotional response to stress.
Which foods can help you reduce stress? Check out the following 5!
1. Oatmeal
When stressed our blood pressure can go up. A study* published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a diet which includes whole grains such as oats can lower blood pressure. Oatmeal in a jar is a great way to keep a healthy meal or snack available at any time.
For some healthy, yummy, instant oatmeal jars that are simple to make, click the button below.
2. Blueberries
Researchers have found eating blueberries can increase the count of a specific white blood cell that boosts immunity. Having a healthy immune system can help counter stress. Try adding blueberries to your oatmeal or yogurt in the morning.
3. Flax Seeds
This superfood is an excellent source of magnesium which may help regulate emotions, alleviate depression, combat fatigue and minimize irritability. Magnesium can also help fight PMS! Try adding a teaspoon of flax seeds to your next smoothie.
4. Dark Chocolate
Studies have shown that eating chocolate regularly can reduce your stress hormones such as cortisol. That’s great news for all you chocoholics! Stick with the kind that contains at least 70% cocoa and keep it to just a bite or two and not the whole bar!
5. Cashews
These kidney-shaped nuts are a good source of zinc which is a critical mineral that can help reduce anxiety symptoms such as irritability and lack of focus. Their portable nature makes them an ideal snack to keep in your purse for when you’re on the go. Just be wary of how many you eat! A good portion size is about 12 cashews.
Adding these 5 foods into your diet can help you relieve stress and help with your overall health and wellbeing. Which one are you going to try?
Let us know in the comments below! I love all 5 of them!
Anita Duwel
Certified Holistic Nutrition Coach
Certified Workplace Wellness Consultant
www.facebook.com/behealthSAVVY
https://www.facebook.com/groups/anitasagingwithvitality/ (40 and over)
*Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270644.php
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