Stress and de-stress foods.;

Healthy mind = healthy body - part 2;

We all go through an array of ups and downs in our lives each day. Sometimes this leaves us in immense stress and strain. We are left feeling emotionally, mentally and physically too stressed. Some of us resort to pursuing our hobbies as part of stress busting and some of us might just vent it out in other ways. But did you know that during this period of stress and stress busting, we eat our heart out😏😏 sorry we stress eat our heart out. These foods that we choose during this phase only aggrevate our stress levels and leave us feeling wanting more of these foods and beverages.;

I'm gonna run you through a few important foods that stress you and also foods that can help you de-stress. Foods to avoid and foods to eat while your going through that ride.;

Foods to Avoid :
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1. Caffeine - We all know what can happen when we have one too many cups of coffee; - the jitters, heart palpitations and trouble sleeping. Particularly when our stress levels are already high, stimulants like coffee or energy drinks can leave us feeling worse than before.
In times of stress, reduce caffeine intake and try coffee-like chicory tea or fruit-infused water.

2. Alcohol - Alcohol just like coffee takes you high and can make you feel superb instantly. But the after affects are awful and can prove to be even more worse than the actual stress itself. It can leave you feeling totally unstable, emotionally very low or high and yes not to forget the hangover.;

3. High Sodium foods - Foods that are high in sodium or salt also can cause a lot of stress. Simply by alleviating the sodium rush in the body.;When your body switches into fight-or-flight mode during times of stress, one of the responses is to elevate your blood pressure. If you’re constantly shoveling high-sodium foods into your face, you may actually exacerbate your body’s stress response as well as worsen your body’s regulation of blood pressure, resulting in general high blood pressure or hypertension. Chinese food is one of the worst offenders of sodium-laden fare.;

4. Refine Sugar - Refined sugar in lollies, pastries, soft drink, chocolate, ice cream and biscuits do give us a quick boost of energy, but this is followed by a sugar 'low'. This is all to do with how sugar affects our blood sugar levels.
Instead of those sweet treats, opt for fruit salad, a healthy, homemade fruit-sweetened muffin, or even a few squares of dark chocolate

5 White Carbs - As with sugar, simple carbohydrates like chips, pies and white flour, bread and pasta can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, followed by a period of low energy and a subsequent craving for more energy hits.
Avoid a packet of potato chips and choose slow-releasing carbohydrate snacks like whole grain crackers with natural peanut butter, wholemeal toast with avocado, or hummus with veggie sticks.


Foods Best to de-stress :

1. Greens - Plant-based foods like vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains provide us with essential vitamins and minerals. Eating this way at all times, including during times of stress, will help our bodies to function optimally.
In fact, last year researchers looked at literature surrounding mental health and diet, and found that traditional dietary patterns -- specifically the Mediterranean, traditional Norwegian and traditional Japanese diets -- tend to be associated with better mental health.

2. Herbal Teas - The calming characteristics of herbal teas, such as chamomile, lavender and passionflower tea, can help you relax, destress and ease into sleep.Not only are herbals teas a warming, soothing drink.;

3. Food rich in Magnesium - Magnesium is a mineral which our bodies rely on to feel fit, healthy and full of vitality, and specifically helps promote energy, sleep, and blood sugar and hormone balance.Magnesium-rich foods like green leafy veggies, fruit, nuts and seeds, raw cacao and seafood can help fight fatigue.Low magnesium levels can also lead to mood swings, insomnia and high blood pressure

4. Vitamin C rich foods - Ever gotten sick with a cold or flu during stressful times, or right after? It's theorised that high stress levels are linked to a weakened immune system. Regularly consuming foods rich in vitamin C -- such as kiwi fruit, oranges, berries, kale and capsicum -- can help support your immune system and give it a boost when you're stressed and under pressure. Simply have a piece of Amla everyday morning with breakfast.;

5. Prebiotic Foods - Prebiotics are a type of non-digestible fibre compound in the form of food or supplement, which help feed or fertilise the friendly bacteria in our gut. This process improves digestion and helps keep our gastrointestinal tract healthy.Stress affects the balance of bacteria in the gut and immune response, so it's a good idea to keep your gut healthy by eating enough prebiotic foods, such as garlic, onion, asparagus, legumes, unripe banana, whole grains and artichoke.

Enjoy your stress time to get some healthy food too mommies. De-stress and have a balanced healthy life.;
#momssaga #forthemommy #dietmantra #toddlersbuddy #healthand fitness;

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