Goals


June 12, 2010

4 foods to help defeat your stress!

So what type of foods make you feel less stressed out? I have a lot of emotional foods that I turn to when I am stressing out. But, most of the time these foods are not going to benefit my weight loss. Most people turn to chocolate, salty or fatty foods, and some people even stop eating; which can also hamper weight loss.

You may be surprised to learn that there are foods that you can turn to when you are feeling stressed out and overwhelmed that will promote belly fat weight loss. I will share with you 4 foods that will help you fight stress without taking you off the path of your weight loss journey.

1. Fish: Studies have found that an increase of Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet can help calm your nerves and get rid of anxiety. So make sure to include an ample amount of healthy fat in your diet to help control your anxiety. I tend to lean towards white fish for the cheap factor, but salmon is one that will give you this in an ample amounts.

2. Spinach: The mineral, magnesium, found in spinach, helps to decrease the effects of stress on the body. Consuming about three cups of spinach daily, about 40% of your daily need of magnesium will help to control your blood pressure during stressful events. This is so helpful when you are adding stress on your body as well during your exercise programs too.

3. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is FULL of Vitamin B, which helps to produce serotonin in your body. Serotonin is an essential neurotransmitter that sends calming signals to your brain. Oatmeal is also a complex carbohydrate, thus the slow digestion of oatmeal provides for the steady production of serotonin in your body and the steady calming of your nerves. This can be especially beneficial to those of us who deal with mild – severe depression, and can boost your levels early in the morning before you have taken anything other supplements or medications.

4. Chocolate: Yes – I’ll let you have a small amount of chocolate, especially since the cocao boosts the levels of neurochemicals in your body. I’ve said this before that this journey we are taking is not about eliminating things from our life, but learning to have them in moderation and allowing you those little pleasures. These neurochemicals produced by chocolate help the brain produce the feelings of happiness and relaxation. However, don’t over-indulge with the chocolate – just a few squares of dark chocolate are all you need to relax and smile. Another side note on the chocolate, don’t just go to the convenience store to find chocolate, go to a nice chocolate store, Godiva; See’s Candy; or even a local candy shop in order to find something to keep around for those stressful times.

These foods will help during those unexpected stressors in our life come out and hit us in the head, but they can also help during those times we know are coming. Such as, holidays and birthdays, our monthly PMS week, a change in your job schedule, the night you have to write out your bills, and even on a rainy day that you wish could have been better. Enjoy your foods and use them to your advantage instead allowing food to get in the way of your weight loss.

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