Overview
Proper diet not only saves people from many problems such as malnutrition diseases and general body infections but also helps in reducing stress. Stress is a training condition that majorly affects adult people more than children. This is because grownups have too much to think about to sort out when compared to kids. Most people tend to put much consideration on the traditional ways of overcoming stress such as messaging and counseling. However, there are some other more cheap natural ways that reduce stress such as eating a well-balanced diet. Below are examples of the food substances that make proper diet and their ways of reducing stress;
- Food with high fiber and more carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a substance that reduces stress by stimulating the brain to excrete serotonin, a hormone that relaxes the body. On the other hand consumption of a lot of fibers prevents binging at night thus reducing stress. Examples of such food are; minestrone, sautéed vegetables over rice and baked sweet potatoes.
- Boost Immune System with Vegetables and fruits
Consumption of more antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables boost the immune system and, therefore, inhibiting stress related diseases. For instance, carrots and corn are major sources of beta-carotene antioxidant. Vitamin C is also obtained from citrus fruits that act as a stress busting antioxidant. Studies have shown that people who regularly consume foods that are rich in antioxidants are less likely to experience psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety and stress.
- Limit Caffeine Intake
If you are not aware, some of your favorite drinks are rich in caffeine that can make your stress even worse. These include some sodas, coffee, tea, and chocolate. Taking such beverages can make stressful situations appear more intense than they are. The good news is that you can gradually cut down caffeinated drinks. This will prevent withdrawal symptoms like a headache or inability to concentrate.
- Consume Alcohol in Moderation
You have not been told to quit if you are a frequent reveler. However, you are more likely to overindulge when you are stressed without realizing the mess you are causing to your body. If you must drink, especially when stressed, do it in moderation while aware that beer has never solved problems – in fact, it make things even worse. If you are a man, take two drinks in a day. Women should only have one.
- Relax and Calm Your Body
Many are the times that most people resort to unhealthy food choices to try and cope with stressful situations. You can tell better how it feels to have those sweet foods or drinks if you have ever been stressed. However, it should not be that way. The sweet feeling you experience is short-lived before you come to terms with the challenges you are facing. Ensuring that you are eating a healthy diet even during the most trying times is one of the best ways to remain in control of what’s happening around you. You will know you are on the right track to weight loss or to maintain a healthy weight, however, it stressed you because your body is calm and relaxed.
- Eat at the Right Time
Don’t try to comfort yourself by eating at any time of the day because you are trying to cope with stress. Even if you are on a healthy diet, eating at any other time than during the main meals can’t help you in overcoming your stressful situation. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t snack, but take healthy snacks between main meals and have your plate served as usual at the right time. This will ensure that you don’t overeat or skip meals, both of which are very crucial when it comes to dealing with stress.
Foods to Avoid
There are certain foods that should be avoided whenever you are stressed. These include:
- Sugar: This is a carbohydrate source that many turns to for calm when they are stressed because if calms your body. The only problem with sugar is that it is a simple carbohydrate that enters and leaves your bloodstream rapidly. This can leave you craving for more sugary foodstuffs or trigger glucose imbalances in your blood stream, which can elevate your stress levels. Instead of sugar, stick to healthy carbohydrates like whole grains, pasta, beans, etc.
- Caffeine: Sodas, coffee, and tea are loaded with caffeine that can trigger the lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation can in turn elevate stress levels and other mental conditions like lack of concentration, poor memory, anxiety, etc.
- High-fat foods: Foods that are high in fat such as cheese, meat or baked foods can thicken your blood leading to tiredness, fatigue and lethargy. This is not the right way to cope with stress! Even a single meal that is high in fat can put you at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Conclusion
When taken the right way and at the right time, a healthy diet can help in releasing stress. But most people tend to turn to unhealthy food choices when faced with trying situations. This trend only makes things even worse. Stick to a healthy diet irrespective of your stress levels and everything will improve sooner than you expect!
References:
https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/health-news/dealing-with-anger-and-stress-using-foods.html
http://www.wikihow.com/De-Stress-Through-Your-Diet
