When you’re tired, eating healthy is really hard. Approximately 20% of the body’s overall energy reserves are used by the brain single handedly. When you’re under pressure at work, hitting deadlines and monthly goals or competing against time to finish a presentation to beat the competition, this increases. These are the moments when you are the most insecure and persuade yourself to devour whole bags of chips, burgers filled with cheese and pizzas.
In the long run, eating stress does not necessarily help alleviate stress, since you are bound to feel shame over all the bad fats that you have been piling up on. For a time, it’s a temporary cure for the brain to feel okay, however it may affect your wellbeing as it may contribute to a rise in blood cholesterol, not to mention fully derail your fitness objectives. Yet stress-eating has a way around it. There are balanced foods that can also lower stress levels and dramatically improve your mood.
Without feeling guilty, these are the top seven stress-relieving foods you can chomp away on:
1. Leafy green vegetables
Fresh leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale might not be the favorite foods but will certainly boost your mood. Green leafy veggies contain folate, which is responsible for brain dopamine release, which is a hormone that causes pleasure. In addition, green leafy vegetables are perfect for your wellbeing as well. As per the best nutritionist in Bangalore, they are filled with vitamins and minerals and are relatively low in calories.
2. Oatmeal with walnuts and berries
The most unlikely of meals deemed to give you a mood boost is oatmeal topped with berries and walnuts, but it does. Oats are full and thus hold hunger at bay, making the stomach content and fulfilled for longer periods of time. Berries are high in vitamin C, which maintains tension and bad mood in the bay, and walnuts are wellness super foods that contain mood enhancing omega-3 fatty acids that are also great for heart health. With all kinds of fruits, you can top your oatmeal, but berries are the most powerful against stress.
3. Hot lemon water
Lemon hot water kills food cravings and holds hunger pangs at bay and even performs detoxifying activities, flushing out the body’s toxins. The first thing in the morning, as a diet tip, it is advisable to drink one cup of warm water with some lemon juice, as it helps weight loss. The water helps to keep you hydrated and improves your metabolism, supports digestion and avoids acidity and bloating.
4. Yogurt
In addition to being a great source of healthy fat and proteins, yoghurt supports digestive health, which is perhaps one of the reasons why you feel anxious or unsettled. As there is a constant exchange of information between the two, the bacteria in the gut may lead to stress in the brain. This is why any time you’re depressed you suffer from heart burn. It even works the other way round. Yogurt is full of probiotic bacteria that destroy bad intestinal bacteria, thereby reducing brain tension.
5. The Pistachios
The explanation for considering pistachios as stress-busters has more to do with their shells than with anything in the nut itself. Just as tasks such as knitting, doodling and other repetitive hand acts relax your nerves and quiet your negative thoughts, shelling and popping pistachios into your mouth, your overworked brain is also considered to have a calming effect. The rhythmic movements of your hands help to calm your brain. Moreover since they help to lower blood pressure and heart rate, pistachios are perfect for your overall health.
6. Dark Chocolate Style
The most noticeable stress-busting food is dark chocolate. Cacao has been associated with the release from the brain of pleasure-inducing dopamine and happiness hormones endorphins, releasing tension instantly and calming you. They also cause blood vessel relaxation, decreasing the blood pressure.Dark chocolate, in addition to this is also made of antioxidants. Be sure to purchase dark chocolate, however, which has more than 70 percent cacao content.
7. The Hot Milk
Ancient wisdom dictates that before bed, warm milk is healthy. The influence of drinking can be partly psychosomatic on your brain, but there is also some research involved in it. Although the warmth helps you relax, it is also rich in Vitamin D, which is associated with enhanced mood, due to its relation to familiarity and comfort. Studies have linked low levels of vitamin D in the diet to panic and depression. Milk, in addition, is high in calcium and proteins.
Numerous foods provide nutrients that can allow you to reduce stress.
Just a few that can help are matcha powder, fatty fish, kimchi, garlic, chamomile tea, and broccoli.
In order to naturally encourage stress reduction, consider integrating some of these foods and drinks into your diet. You ought to have them in consultation with a nutritionist. As one of the best nutritionist in India, we at Qua Nutrition look at this matter with utmost significance and specialization. If you have any concerns about nutrition or our nutrition/ diet plans, call us at +91-9743430000 or email us at devika@quanutrition.com.