With crazy schedules and little down time, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and reach for the junk food. Ease up on the junk! Fattier foods will only increase your stress levels, so here are top food picks for feeling the zen.
AVOCADOS
Why:
What can’t avocados do? The potassium and monosaturated fats found in avocados are known for lowering blood pressure.
How:
Toss avocados into a salad or spread on your sandwich and feel yourself unwind for just a moment. No wonder avocados are called a super food! Mix up your lunch routine with an ALT (avocado, lettuce, tomato).
LEAFY VEGETABLES
Why:
Spinach and kale provide you with replenishing vitamins, which will perk you up far better than a cup of coffee. Plus spinach is loaded with magnesium which keeps you from feeling fatigued.
How:
Why not throw in veggies with a pasta dinner? Try Florentine Ravioli for starters!
COMPLEX CARBS
Why:
Do you crave pizza and cupcakes when you are stressing out? There may be good reason; carbohydrates tell the brain to release serotonin. No, this does not mean you should reach for a slice of takeout cheesy bread, but it does mean to look for whole grains.
How:
Try a whole grain breakfast cereal or oatmeal before you leave the house or enjoy a bowl of whole grain pasta with veggies at dinner. If you are looking to venture outside of the usual dinner-time pasta, Quinoa is a fabulous alternative, give Quinoa salad a try.
ORANGES
Why:
Oranges are loaded with vitamin C, which has been show to stabilize cortisol levels and blood pressure.
How:
Enjoy orange slices on a demanding day; they are sweet and will help you return to normal when you feel a mini-meltdown coming on! Here is a perfect Fall and Winter recipe for Cinnamon Oranges.
HOT TEA
Why:
Studies have shown that tea drinkers are calmer and have lower levels of cortisol found in their body. Plus, the warmth of tea can have a soothing effect in times of worry.
How:
Reach for black tea or green tea for a kick or herbal teas with no caffeine, and add just a dash of honey for sweetness.
FISH
Why:
Fish like salmon contain high levels of good-for-you omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids can help prevent spikes in stress hormones.
How:
Think fish is a dinner-only food? Think again! Here is an amazing recipe for a breakfast Egg and Salmon Sandwich.
WWRL 1600 is committed to good health with our stellar Health & Wellness lineup: InVite Health with Jerry Hickey, Health Line with Dr. Alan Pressman, Optimum Health with Dr. Christopher Calipai, Food for Thought with Dr. Jolie Root, and A Healthier You with Doctors Franklin Marsh, Louis Wright, and Jason Ogiste.
WWRL 1600 is committed to good health with our stellar Health & Wellness lineup: InVite Health with Jerry Hickey, Health Line with Dr. Alan Pressman, Optimum Health with Dr. Christopher Calipai, Food for Thought with Dr. Jolie Root, and A Healthier You with Doctors Franklin Marsh, Louis Wright, and Jason Ogiste.
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