Deadlines are inevitable in the crazy-busy life of every productive woman and so is the stress that they bring. Are you’re feeling stressed with all the deadlines you have to meet? Here are top foods to relieve you of the tension and combat stress.
The last thing you need is someone telling you to step away from your work desk so that you can cook yourself a healthy, balanced meal.
So, if you’re feeling stressed with all the deadlines you have to meet, not to mention your full social calendar, fight back with these top foods to relieve you of the tension and stress.
1. Leafy, Green Vegetables
Instead of your usual go-to food, choose to go green. Green leafy veggies are rich in folate, which produces dopamine—the brain chemical responsible for releasing pleasure-inducing hormones.
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are high in magnesium, which can help to regulate cortisol levels and reduce stress.
In general, experts have agreed that choosing to eat green veggies can bring about more positive feelings than opting for fast food.
2. Milk
Milk is not only rich in calcium, but also boasts vitamins B2, B12, protein, potassium and antioxidants—all of which have been proven to help combat insomnia when consumed warm and before bedtime. The result is renewed energy in the morning after a good night’s rest.
3. Vegetable Curry
Spicy Indian food has two components to help you feel better: curcumin and capsaicin. Curcumin in curry helps to shield the major parts of your brain from the weight of stress while capsaicin, which is found in chili peppers, releases the hormone endorphin to calm you.
4. Dark Chocolate
I’m sure you know how dark chocolate is commonly used as a stress cure. Choose a dark chocolate with energy-boosting almonds and you’ll be off in a better mood.
5. Smoothies
Make sure to include a ripe banana as it contains potassium, which aids in lowering the blood pressure. Another option is to add unsweetened cocoa powder, which releases the dopamine your body needs to feel calm and re-energized.
6. Nuts and Seeds
Whether its almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios or pumpkin seeds, you’ll be sure to knock down stress with antioxidant-rich nuts and seeds. Pumpkin seeds boast tryptophan, which helps the brain in serotonin production, while cashews contain selenium, which has been linked to an elevated mood. They all contain unsaturated fat and fiber.
7. Green Tea
Green tea has an amino acid called L-theanine, which has been known to make you feel cool and calm when confronted with pressure.
8. Avocados
Avocados are rich in glutathione, which block fats that can cause an oxidative damage in your body. It has more folate than any other fruit as well as vitamin E, beta-carotene and lutein—all of which work to provide your body with feel-good hormones.
9. Oatmeal
We all know that oatmeal is rich in fiber, which aids in the digestion of food. Aside from this, the fiber in oatmeal digests slowly so it doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels like other fruits.
It also boasts components that help the body to release serotonin, the hormone responsible for feeling awesome. Add some frustration-easing cinnamon to a warm and hearty bowl of oats and you’ll be off in an awesome mood.
10. Berries
Sweet and fresh berries contain a large amount of antioxidants to bust the stress you feel. Plus they have vitamin C to help boost the immune system. Add them to a cup of low-fat yoghurt, which has calcium and energizing protein, to help your body to release some feel-good neurotransmitters.
11. Chamomile Tea
According to a University of Pennsylvania study, chamomile can help to ease symptoms of anxiety.
Chamomile can calm the nerves and promote sleep. You can drink chamomile tea warm or iced.
12. Salmon
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps reduce anxiety and depression.
Stress doesn’t have to ruin your day or take over your life. With daily exercise and a healthy, balanced diet, you can be in your best health each day.
Are there any other foods to combat stress? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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