If you’re a stress eater, you need to find foods that will provide you with nutrition so that you’re not tempted to eat foods that are bad for you. With so much going on in our lives every day, stress is something that we have to learn to deal with the right way. Here’s a list of some super foods that are not only nutritious, they also reduce your stress level.
Delicious Asparagus – This green veggie is high in folic acid, which can help stabilize your mood. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that affect your mood. Eating certain vitamins and minerals like folic acid and B vitamins can help keep your mood steady because they’re used to make serotonin, which is a chemical that directly affects mood in a positive way.
Milk – Whole Body Nutrition – Milk is high in antioxidants and vitamins B2 and B12, as well as protein and calcium. Have a bowl of whole grain cereal and low fat milk in the morning to start your day with a stress reducing breakfast!
Cottage Cheese and Fruit – Cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium, and it’s loaded with nutrition. Foods with high protein content that aren’t loaded with sugar won’t cause a spike in blood sugar and will keep you satisfied for a longer period of time. Try mixing the cottage cheese with a fruit that is high in vitamin C, which is full of antioxidants that fight the free radicals that get released when you’re stressed.
Beef and Tuna – Even though beef often gets a bad rap, it’s a great dinner option for a stressed out family. Beef contains high levels of zinc, iron, and B vitamins, which are also known to help stabilize your mood. Some people think they should stay away from beef, but it’s actually full of nutrition, even compared to chicken. If you’re concerned about fat content, be sure to get a lean cut. Tuna is a great lunch option. It’s high in stress fighting vitamins B6 and B12. Tuna is also a good low fat protein source. Just don’t load it down with fat by using a lot of mayonnaise.
Almonds and Blueberries – Try munching on some almonds for a crunchy snack. They are full of nutrition and are a good source of Vitamin B2 and E, as well as magnesium and zinc. Almonds are high in fat, but most of the fat is unsaturated. Like vitamin C, vitamin E has been shown to fight the free radicals associated with stress, and in particular, those free radicals that cause heart disease. Blueberries also make a great snack. Very rich in antioxidants, blueberries offer a high fiber, low calorie fruit option that is also rich in stress- fighting vitamin C. Try them with cottage cheese or as a snack on their own. Not only are they a good source of nutrition, they are delicious and fun to eat!
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