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Foods That Fight Stress

Feel-better foods

Stress is your body's reaction to a dangerous or tense situation. This reaction is involuntary and could be helpful or hurtful depending on the reality of the situation. It could be the result of something that is happening or that could happen, such as losing your job.  When stress becomes a regular part of your daily life, you could get sick. That is why it's so important to take control.

Foods That Fight Stress

Foods that fight stress

A balanced diet can help you control stress. Make sure to include the following nutrients and vitamins in your diet:

  • Vitamin C: It is found mainly in citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, pineapples and guavas; and in some vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers and tomatoes.
  • Vitamin E: It is mainly found in almonds, nuts, and vegetable oils.
  • Potassium: It has a calming effect and helps maintain a healthy heart. Potassium is found in most fruits, beans and meats.
  • Magnesium: It does the same job as potassium and can be found in vegetables, nuts, and especially in bananas and cashews.
  • Calcium: It is a natural sedative that will help ease stress. Calcium can be found in dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.

Other vitamins that  have a relaxing effect, in addition to boosting your central nervous system, are baker's yeast (also known as brewer's yeast), dairy products, meats, cereals, avocados, green beans, bananas, almonds and sunflower seeds.

Buy healthy foods

Add these foods to your list when you go grocery shopping:

  • Fruits and vegetables:Choose red and yellow fruits like oranges and papaya, as well as dark green vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, and lettuce.
  • Dairy products:Choose low-fat dairy products such as low-fat yogurt, low-fat or skim milk, and low-fat cheeses.
  • Meats: They are a source of vitamins, minerals and proteins, and contain tryptophan which is found in red meats, fish, turkey, etc. Tryptophan helps you sleep better because it is a precursor to another substance called serotonin, which is related to mood, emotions, and depression.
  • Cereals: They are a good source of vitamin B and they boost your brain and nervous system making them more resistant to stress. Try to eat whole wheat breads instead of white bread since whole wheat is a good source of fiber.
  • Drinks: We recommend natural teas, such as chamomile and valerian root. These teas have zero calories and have a relaxing effect. Drink them with very little sugar or with an artificial sweetener. If you prefer a different type of drink, choose caffeine-free drinks.

Other recommendations

When you're feeling depressed and down in the dumps, add some cocoa to a glass of milk. It will help you feel better and more energized. It has fewer calories than a chocolate bar too!

Another way to wake up your senses is to use natural spices such as oregano, parsley and cinnamon.They don't add calories and are low in sodium.

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