When we are stressed out and frazzled, we often find that we naturally reach out for foods and snacks that are unhealthy. This is because the body releases certain types of chemicals in the body that make us crave for sugary and starchy foods.
Although food shouldn’t be the primary way to deal with emotions, there are certain foods that you can have when you are stressed out, which will calm you down and won’t affect your waistline.
So make a note of these yummy foods that counteract the damage, pressure and stress your body goes through.
Avocados
When stress is starting to get the better of you, minimise its grip on your life by not reaching for comfort food, but healthy snacks such as avocado.
They contain high levels of vitamin B to give you an energy boost and it will also help you to conquer your fatty food craving.
“The monounsaturated fat and high potassium can help in lowering blood pressure” says Nutritionist Dr Chan.
Why not make some guacamole and have it with baked chips or sliced vegetables? It's your best bet to battle and beat the stress...
Oranges
It has been found that stress causes a decrease in levels of Vitamin C in the body. When your Vitamin C levels are high, there is a great improvement in stress management, both physically and mentally.
Janet, who recently finished a degree in nutrition, informed us that: “The Vitamin C that is high in concentration in oranges helps to lower blood pressure and cortisol, the stress hormone.”
Therefore, when you feel nervous and tension taking over you, reach for a glass of orange juice to combat the stress.
Spinach
Spinach is packed full of magnesium and a lack of it can trigger headaches and fatigue. By upping your intake of magnesium, it will help to lower your stress levels and ease muscle tension.
An increase in stress causes a decrease in magnesium which is an important calming mineral. A loss of magnesium is not only caused by stress, but it also causes stress to increase and cause an overall increase in vulnerability to stress.
Add spinach to salads and sandwiches for an easy tension combating fix.
Berries
If you find that stress is an everyday battle that creeps up on you, then try goji berries. Not only are they one of the world’s most nutritious fruits, but they add a blend of nutrients that nourish the nerves and calm your cardiovascular system.
They are also known as adaptogens as they can help reduce the stress from daily living and help to lower the unhealthy levels of cortisol.
Nuts
When all hell breaks loose, then grab some almonds as these crunchy creations are a great stress reliever.
They are packed full of Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. Vitamins and magnesium assist in producing serotonin, which helps control mood and relieve stress.
Zinc has also been found to fight some of the harmful effects of stress, while Vitamin E is an antioxidant that wipes out the free radicals linked to stress and heart disease.
However, try to avoid eating too many, or the whole bag for that matter, as they are high in fat.
Broccoli
Another stress busting food is broccoli as it has a large quantity of Vitamin B. Another benefit is that it contains folic acid which is known to relieve stress, anxiety and panic. It also contains potassium which is good for our nerves and helps to calm them.
Add broccoli as an accompaniment to any meal, such as grilled chicken to keep the pressure at bay.
Chocolate
Now you have a great excuse to get your chocolate fix as rich dark chocolate is anti-oxidant rich and can help make us feel better.
Researchers found that eating a dark chocolate candy bar (1.4 ounces) each day for two weeks, reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol as well as the “fight-or-flight” hormones known as catecholamines in highly stressed people.
So take a bite out of a piece of chocolate and
By Flora McCraith, MSN
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