How To Find Stress-Relief
When we think of stress-relief, it is often In things like breathing, yoga, or meditation. These ideas are great solutions to stress-relief, but diet is often not in the equation.
Stressful events, or even daily hassles of life, cause our cortisol levels to rise. Cortisol causes food cravings. This is often in the form of carbs and sweet foods. The more you eat them the worse your mood gets. And as if that is not bad enough, cortisol then makes more trouble for us by triggering an enzyme in our fat cells. These are visceral fat cells that convert to more cortisol. Visceral fat cells pack around our vital organs, and the more of these enzymes you have the more belly fat accumulates. The more stress, the more cells, and then obesity occurs.
This links to a greater risk of heart disease and diabetes.
So when we talk about calming foods, it is not comfort foods. It Is meals and snacks that soothe and calm you. Because nutrients in foods cause a steady, reliable source of energy. You will feel more focused, balanced, and like you can conquer anything.
Choose nutrient-dense foods for a healthy strong body Click To TweetWhat makes food calming?
When you are making healthy choices, for stress-relief, you are fueling your body and mind with nutrients. These nutrients improve the blood flow to the brain and improve your focus and relieve stress. Your mind will feel clearer and you will be more productive with your time.
When you manage the negative physiological changes that stress causes, you need to stabilize your mind. This allows you to manage your reaction, rather than letting your surroundings control you. You will feel more motivated to exercise and stay active, and this allows you to get more done throughout the day.
When you eat comfort food, you will find yourself sitting on the couch letting the stress prevent you from getting anything done. Things will feel out of your control.
In the context of food, mindful eating is the practice of being fully present for a meal. This can involve slowing down, savoring each bite, and getting in tune with your body’s fullness cues. When we are distracted, we tend to eat faster and longer.
Maintain A Healthy Diet, Even When You Feel That You Do Not Have The Time To
Starting your day with a balanced breakfast is the best way to set yourself up for success. Even a simple bowl of oatmeal has tons of complex carbs and nutritional benefits. The result is an increase in serotonin levels in the brain.
It is important to choose your meals by analyzing the nutrients in them. This will provide nutrients for your mind and body. Eating at home is usually a better alternative. One way to do this is to keep fresh nutritious foods on hand. You can keep chopped prepped veggies available. Also, be sure to include nuts, fruits, and high fiber snacks. Especially during times of stress when you need it the most. These provide your body with the proper fuel it needs to keep you in motion.
According to a study by researchers at UCLA, Omega-3 fatty acids reduce surges of stress hormones. This can reduce your risk of heart disease, depression, and other health problems caused by chronic stress. Examples of Omega-3 fatty acids include fish like salmon and tuna, nuts, seeds, and plant oils. Try incorporating these into your meals and you will notice the benefits they provide for your mental health.
The gut microbiome can influence your body, including the brain. The microbiome is supported by consuming fiber-containing foods like beans, fermented vegetables, and yogurts.
I recommend researching ways to incorporate them into your daily diet.
Eat the Right Foods At The Right Time
By substituting junk food for choices full of nutrients, your body will feel full of energy. Your blood flow stabilizes, thus making you more able to control your stress. When you are more motivated and productive, you will be much more likely to find ways to relieve your stress rather than letting it take over your mind.
One way to reduce the temptations of comfort food when under large amounts of stress is to eat foods that will substitute any potential cravings. For example, eating small amounts of dark chocolate will satisfy your sweet tooth. While it still provides stress-relief and keeps you full of energy. This is great to eat after dinner so that you do not crave a sugary dessert before bed.
I am Shirley Noah, an internationally known stress expert and entrepreneur. I would love to connect further with you to help you improve your health and wellbeing. If you are interested in learning more about How to Eat to Relieve Stress? Check out this new course How to Eat to Relieve Stress.
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