Stress Relieving Foods
Stress is one sure way to put on weight (among other things) because food is an emotional outlet for so many people.
That said, if you chose different types of foods (instead of the fatty-greasy foods), you’ll quickly find out that there are actually a handful of healthy foods that can help reduce stress.
I don’t think that these foods will turn your current financial situation around, but they will help support your health as you are trying to cope with life’s reality.
>>> These 5 foods will tremendously help when it comes to helping your body cope with the negative effects of stress:
1. Avocados: When you’re under stress, your body tends to use B vitamins at a faster-than-normal rate. In order to replenish that supply, eat ¼ of an avocado when you’re stressed — on a sandwich, in a salad, or all by itself — to boost B vitamin levels. In addition to B, avocados are also rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium and a fatty acid known as oleic acid — this fat has been shown to have a mild influence in lowering cholesterol.
2. Tea: Although caffeine has been shown to lead to a more positive mood and improved performance, there’s a fine line between just enough and too much. Too much caffeine can make you dependent and make you nervous, irritable, and hypersensitive or bring on headaches. Because brewed tea is lower in caffeine per cup than coffee, you can drink more tea than coffee before experiencing these effects. Tea also provides a little L-theanine, a calming amino acid.
3. Berries: Under stress we naturally crave sweet things but the problem is that nine out of ten times, the sweets we’re craving are calorie-laden. Berries are naturally sweet and they have vitamin C which tends to be helpful in combating stress. Furthermore, berries have some fibre — which will decrease cravings by building up bulk in your GI track.
4. Dark chocolate (you’ll want to choose at least 70% to enjoy the full benefits of dark chocolate): Chocolate has a lot going for it in addition to its divine taste. It is plump full of flavonoids — a powerful class of antioxidants — which have been shown to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes. Other compounds found in chocolate seem to lower the “bad” component of cholesterol (LDL) while leaving the “good” (HDL) component unchanged. Dark chocolate also contains several psychoactive chemicals that promote alertness and even euphoria. The latest scientific literature even shows it has some blood-pressure lowering properties. (Our favorite is the Righteously Raw bars)
5. Magnesium-rich foods: Magnesium is an essential mineral for human nutrition. Magnesium in the body serves several important metabolic functions. It plays a role in the production and transport of energy. It is also important for the contraction and relaxation of muscles and has been shown to reduce blood pressure. Green vegetables such as spinach are good sources of magnesium, as are black beans, peas, nuts (peanuts), seeds (pumpkin and squash), tofu, broccoli and whole, unrefined grains.
To avoid Super Stress, try these:
1.) Simple as it sounds; focused breathing — during which you think about your breath as you inhale and exhale — is a very effective stress-
management technique. A slow, full breath triggers physical and cognitive changes that promote relaxation. Deep breathing helps release tension and anxiety and is a great energizer because the deeper the breath, the more your body is flooded with life-fuelling oxygen. A full breath begins with the diaphragm pushing downward so that the stomach extends out. As your lungs fill with air, your chest expands. When you exhale, the reverse occurs — your chest settles first and then your stomach.> Now, open your lungs, and breathe in through your nose, drawing in a fresh, cleansing air to the count of four.
> Exhale again slowly to the count of five.
> Repeat four times.
2.) Create a To-Do List
I highly suggest this tactic because it will help you in the long run with stress relief. Many people I have dealt with tend to worry about the little things. They do not realize that those “little” things will add up and contribute to their overall stress.
3) Engage in Enjoyable Physical Exercises
It is almost like venting your frustrations in a constructive and safe way. Give it a try and you will notice a huge difference.
4) Try Aromatherapy and Meditation
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses essential oils from plants for the purpose of affecting a person in terms of their mood and health. My favorite scent by far is lavender. I always buy lavender scented oils and candles..
5) Enjoy Yourself and Laugh
I have often heard the phrase, “laughter is the best medicine” and discarded it as some poetic form of guidance. From my personal perspective, laughter is one of the ultimate form of stress relief. The beautiful thing is that all laughs are free of charge and anyone can use them.
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Stress Reliving Recipe:
- ½ cup your choice of stress relieving berry
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon organic Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Coarse salt and ground pepper
- 2 bunches flat leaf spinach, stems trimmed, well washed
and dried
- 2 tablespoons roasted, hulled sunflower seeds
- 1 Avocado
- In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons lemon juice, mustard, and oil; season with salt and pepper. Toss spinach, sunflower seeds, and your choice of berry with dressing in bowl. Transfer to a serving platter.
- Halve avocado and remove pit. Scoop out flesh and thinly slice lengthwise; drizzle with remaining lemon juice. Transfer to plate and arrange salad on top. Serve immediately.
Posted by Healthy Living at 4/1/2010 11:55 AM 
Categories: Healthy Living Newsletters, Healthy Living Recipes
Categories: Healthy Living Newsletters, Healthy Living Recipes
loved this info. awesome in the way you covered all areas can't wait to try thr recipe thanks for your help
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