Food That Reduce Stress
FIGHT STRESS WITH FOOD
Who doesn’t have to deal with stress?? Stress is such an everyday part of life that most of us often joke about how ‘stressed out’ we are. Whether you are stressed out over work or the unexpected bill or the upcoming holidays. All of these are common stress triggers.
For me the stress bomb hit me full force yesterday - an unexpected pressing matter had to be resolved and completing an application for a new apartment. Moving and finances. I’m sure many of you can relate. I found myself becoming short and irate very quickly and breathing heavier normal.
Thankfully, I am aware of my body and I started questioning myself, practicing deep breathing and thinking about what foods would support my adrenals and help calm my stress. These are all things that are within your reach to! Whether it is an important work meeting or a family function or finances you can nourish your body to better manage stress.
RESIST THE TENDENCY TO REACH FOR UNHEALTHY FOODS WHEN YOU ARE BEGINNING TO FEEL STRESSED INSTEAD REACH FOR FOODS THAT HELP RELIEVE STRESS AND ANXIETY.
GO FOR GRASS-FED, ORGANIC PROTEIN SOURCES - THESE CONTAIN THE AMINO ACID TRYPTOPHAN WHICH CAN AFFECT SEROTONIN LEVELS, ALSO KNOWN AS THE ‘HAPPINESS HORMONE’. WHEN SEROTONIN LEVELS ARE LOW YOU CAN EXPERIENCE MOODINESS AND DEPRESSION. NUTS LIKE ALMONDS, PECANS AND WALNUTS ALSO CONTAIN TRYPTOPHAN.
CHOOSE FOODS THAT ARE RICH IN IRON- TIRED OFTEN?? THIS CAN BE A SIGN OF IRON-DEFICIENCY (ANEMIA) AND LEAD TO DEPRESSION. CHOOSE ORGANIC GRASS-FED EGGS AND BEEF, WILD SALMON AND SHELLFISH AND VEGETABLES LIKE KALE, SPINACH, COLLARDS AND BROCCOLI.
EAT FOOD RICH IN VITAMIN B-12 - A VITAMIN ESSENTIAL FOR PROPER NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTION AND THE PRODUCTION OF RED BLOOD CELLS. EAT PLENTY OF GRASS-FED LIVER AND BEEF, SHELLFISH LIKE SHRIMP, SCALLOPS AND CLAMS, FISH LIKE WILD SALMON AND SEA VEGETABLES LIKE KELP AND CHLORELLA.
CHOOSE A QUALITY VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT OR GET 15 MINUTES OF SUNSHINE 3 TIMES/WEEK - VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IS QUITE COMMON GIVEN HOW OFTEN WE EITHER AVOID THE SUN OR SLATHER ON SUNSCREEN; BUT BEING DEFICIENT IN VITAMIN D HAS BEEN LINKED TO CHRONIC FATIGUE, MUSCLE PAIN AND DEPRESSION.
EAT FOODS RICH IN MAGNESIUM - WHICH IS AN IMPORTANT MINERAL USED IN HUNDREDS OF ENZYME REACTIONS IN THE BODY. EAT LOTS OF DARK LEAFY GREEN VEGETABLES LIKE SPINACH AND CHARD, ALMONDS, PECANS AND WALNUTS, SEEDS LIKE FLAX, PUMPKIN AND SUNFLOWER AND CACAO (OR REAL CHOCOLATE.
Stress-Free Smoothie
2 cups organic almond milk
1 large handfuls organic baby spinach
1 1/2 cup organic blueberries, fresh or frozen
1 banana, ripe & a little spotty
1 tbsp almond butter
2 tbsp raw cacao powder, organic
1 tbsp raw maca powder, organic
Blend until desired consistency is reached and enjoy
Eating a diet rich in these foods will properly support your body and help you manage stress better. I have upped my intake of chlorella and my super greens, as well as a healthy amounts of grass-fed, organic eggs and meat and some nuts and seeds as a snack. The good thing about eating like this is that other aspects of your health will improve too; improved cardiovascular health, balanced blood sugar levels and maintaining a healthy weight to name a few! Food can and will affect your mood, so be wise in your choices!
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