They help reduce stress levels in the body
Stress is all around us in our daily lives. Sometimes it can accumulate too much in our body and cause negative effects. In the long run, high levels of stress can make us ill and cause emotional and mental problems.
There are many ways to deal with stress. Food is one of them. Along with exercise and physical activity, what you eat can have a beneficial effect on stress by suppressing it and reducing its levels in your body.
When you are under stress, you are much more likely to resort to so-called soothing foods. Most often they are harmful and therefore tempting. Ice cream, cakes, pastries, chips, candies are just some of the soothing foods that would bring you a false sense of comfort when you are under stress. In fact, these foods can help in the short term, but if you reach for them every time you are tense (and this can happen often in a busy day), it would have a negative effect on health and weight.
One of the right eating strategies when you are under stress is to reach for foods that really suppress stress and reduce its effects. Such foods are rich in healthy fats and proteins, contain B vitamins, rich in magnesium, which together can help the body cope with stress.
What are the foods to reach for when under stress?
Foods high in fiber
Instead of eating a whole bowl of carbs for pleasure and overcoming anxiety and stress, focus on plenty of fiber. High fiber foods can help stabilize blood sugar. They are also rich in B vitamins, which have a positive effect on the central and peripheral nervous system.
Foods high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains such as brown rice, bulgur, oats, whole grains.
Foods rich in magnesium
Magnesium is a very important mineral for the nervous system. It is also a regulator of stress in the body. When you are under a lot of stress, your magnesium stores run out faster. If you add physical activity and exercise to this, it is almost certain that your body is probably experiencing some degree of magnesium deficiency.
To get your precious magnesium and fight stress, focus on pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almonds, cashews, peanuts, spinach, soy milk, black beans.
Salmon
A portion of roasted salmon with sweet potatoes and spinach is a wonderful example of a food that relieves the effects of stress in the body. Sweet potatoes and spinach are high in magnesium and fiber. Salmon is a wonderful source of healthy fats and proteins. This is a great combination that fights stress.
Black chocolate
Dark chocolate is one of the few sweet temptations you can afford in the fight against stress. It is full of antioxidants and healthy fats. Contains polyphenols that have pronounced anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties. It supports brain function, improves mood and is a soothing provider of sweet carbohydrates to reward yourself after a hard stressful day. Do not overdo the amount.
Low caffeinated beverages
Caffeine is a stimulant and stimulates the nervous system. When you are under stress, it is important to try to refrain from caffeinated beverages. Emphasize those with low or no caffeine. Suitable drinks to relieve stress are tea, fruit and vegetable juices without added sugars, hot cocoa, warm milk.
