There are many risks of chronic stress, which is why we shouldn’t let ourselves suffer from too much stress. Why don't we find ways to reduce it from the food we eat every day?
Yes, we all have our own comfort food, but most times, it doesn't do anything good to our body. They will only give you a moment of reprieve. In fact, some of our comfort foods are high in sugar or sodium, only causing us to feel worse.
There are more options of healthy foods to reach for when you've just had enough of it all. Whether it's because of the specific nutrients they supply or the reliable source of energy they give you, they'll get you all the way through the day feeling focused and balanced--so you'll have the ability to conquer anything .
1. Oatmeal
Don’t deny it if you’re craving for a donut instead of an oatmeal. Listen up, carbohydrates can help the brain make serotonin, the same substance regulated by antidepressants. But instead of reaching for that sugary bear claw, go for complex carbs. Stress can cause your blood sugar to go up, so a complex carb like oatmeal won't contribute to your already potential spike in blood glucose.
2. Blueberries
Blueberries may seem little, but just a handful pack a powerful punch of antioxidants and vitamin C, making them mighty stress-busters. When we’re stressed, our bodies need vitamin C and antioxidants to help repair and protect cells.
3. Dark Chocolate
Lucky you if you like chocolates! There's a chemical reason behind it called anandamide, a neurotransmitter produced in the brain that temporarily blocks feelings of pain and depression.
4. Oranges
There's a reason orange juice is said to be part of the breakfast of champions: Vitamin C is another vitamin known to lower blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol. For a quick burst of vitamin C, simply eat a whole orange or drink a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, make sure without added sugar.
5. Spinach
Reminds of Popeye? Make like Popeye and fill up on spinach. You may think that leafy greens and veggies aren’t your idea of “comfort food” but spinach can have a comforting effect. It’s packed with magnesium, the mineral that helps regulate cortisol levels and promote feelings of wellbeing.
6. Turkey
Feeling tired or relaxed after eating turkey? We know why. Turkey contains an amino acid called L-tryptophan. This amino acid sets off the release of serotonin, which is a feel-good brain chemical.
7. Milk
Milk contains tryptophan, which as it is metabolized is transformed to mood-boosting serotonin. In addition to that, its calcium, magnesium and potassium content may help keep blood pressure down.
If you’re feeling stressed, take heart: what you eat may help you de-stress.
It’s what you eat that can make you stress levels go up and down. It’s all on your diet and nutrition choices. Certain foods supply comfort and actually increase levels of hormones in the body that naturally fight stress.
Learn how to cope by being aware with these soothing foods and adding them to your lifestyle diet.
See more at:
http://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/what-to-eat/eat-to-beat-stress-10-foods-that-reduce-anxiety/slide/10#sthash.l8oCGw5q.dpuf
http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/wellness/advice/g50/8-foods-that-fight-stress-103870/?slide=6
Yes, we all have our own comfort food, but most times, it doesn't do anything good to our body. They will only give you a moment of reprieve. In fact, some of our comfort foods are high in sugar or sodium, only causing us to feel worse.
There are more options of healthy foods to reach for when you've just had enough of it all. Whether it's because of the specific nutrients they supply or the reliable source of energy they give you, they'll get you all the way through the day feeling focused and balanced--so you'll have the ability to conquer anything .
1. Oatmeal
Don’t deny it if you’re craving for a donut instead of an oatmeal. Listen up, carbohydrates can help the brain make serotonin, the same substance regulated by antidepressants. But instead of reaching for that sugary bear claw, go for complex carbs. Stress can cause your blood sugar to go up, so a complex carb like oatmeal won't contribute to your already potential spike in blood glucose.
2. Blueberries
Blueberries may seem little, but just a handful pack a powerful punch of antioxidants and vitamin C, making them mighty stress-busters. When we’re stressed, our bodies need vitamin C and antioxidants to help repair and protect cells.
3. Dark Chocolate
Lucky you if you like chocolates! There's a chemical reason behind it called anandamide, a neurotransmitter produced in the brain that temporarily blocks feelings of pain and depression.
4. Oranges
There's a reason orange juice is said to be part of the breakfast of champions: Vitamin C is another vitamin known to lower blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol. For a quick burst of vitamin C, simply eat a whole orange or drink a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, make sure without added sugar.
5. Spinach
Reminds of Popeye? Make like Popeye and fill up on spinach. You may think that leafy greens and veggies aren’t your idea of “comfort food” but spinach can have a comforting effect. It’s packed with magnesium, the mineral that helps regulate cortisol levels and promote feelings of wellbeing.
6. Turkey
Feeling tired or relaxed after eating turkey? We know why. Turkey contains an amino acid called L-tryptophan. This amino acid sets off the release of serotonin, which is a feel-good brain chemical.
7. Milk
Milk contains tryptophan, which as it is metabolized is transformed to mood-boosting serotonin. In addition to that, its calcium, magnesium and potassium content may help keep blood pressure down.
If you’re feeling stressed, take heart: what you eat may help you de-stress.
It’s what you eat that can make you stress levels go up and down. It’s all on your diet and nutrition choices. Certain foods supply comfort and actually increase levels of hormones in the body that naturally fight stress.
Learn how to cope by being aware with these soothing foods and adding them to your lifestyle diet.
See more at:
http://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/what-to-eat/eat-to-beat-stress-10-foods-that-reduce-anxiety/slide/10#sthash.l8oCGw5q.dpuf
http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/wellness/advice/g50/8-foods-that-fight-stress-103870/?slide=6