Are you under a lot of stress in your daily life? These days, who isn’t? You’ve probably heard the advice that exercise is all it takes to stay healthy and stress free. While it is true that exercise will help you manage stress, some small tweaks to your diet can also reduce stress.
Here are the seven foods you should incorporate into your diet today:
1. Dark Chocolate
Dark Chocolate helps to ease emotional tension, and helps to elevate your mood naturally. Fortunately, dark chocolate is somewhat of a guilt free snack. Buy good quality dark chocolate. If you can, buy organic. Go as dark as you can handle, and try to find chocolate with as few ingredients as possible. Raw chocolate is excellent as well. You only need a square or two per day.
2. Almonds
Almonds are packed with nutrients such as Vitamin B and Vitamin E. These vitamins help to strengthen your immune system during stressful times. A small handful of almonds per day is all it takes.
3. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are full of immune boosting nutrients which help you fight stress. A warm dish of sweet potatoes after a long day gives you a feeling of satisfaction and tranquility. You only need about one cup, but you may find that you can’t stop eating them.
4. Good Fat
You body needs fat–good fat. Foods that are high in good fats create a happy feeling in your brain. Good fats also promote restful sleep. Luckily, there are many sources of good fats. Coconut Oil is a favorite fat because of its versatility. You can use it in most of your cooking, baking, and stir-frying. You can even add a spoonful to your morning smoothie.
Avocado is another excellent source of fat. You need at least one half avocado per day. Other good fats include olive oil, fish oil, and dietary supplement oil blends, such as Udo’s oil. One or two tablespoons per day should do the job.
5. High Quality Animal Protein (Non-vegetarian)
If possible, choose top quality, organic, and grass fed. Don’t go overboard with animal protein. You only need small portions, about the size of your palm. High quality protein promotes restful sleep and creates a feeling of peace and tranquillity.
6. Sugars, But Not White Sugar
Your body needs sugar–good sugar. You can get sugar from a natural source, such as fresh or dry fruit, and raw honey. Honey boosts your immune system, which is often weakened during stressful times. Honey also gives you a better night’s sleep. A spoonful of honey per day is all you need.
7. Green Vegetables
Asparagus, spinach, kale are packed with vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid and magnesium. These minerals promote emotional well-being. A cup of these vegetables per day is all you need.
Other Important Things to Consider:
Exercise is also a very big component in your daily stress reduction routine. Fortunately, you don’t need to exercise for hours; it only takes a few minutes. I do 10 to 20 minutes per day, and it makes a huge difference for me. Remember that a little exercise is so much better than nothing at all. The trick is to schedule your exercise session while you have energy, not at the end of the day, when your energy is failing.
Another important factor in reducing stress is sleep. Are you sleeping enough? Do you wake up rested? Be honest. It takes discipline to get to bed on time so that you are functional the next day. You cannot be in top shape when you lack sleep. Your body is a perfect mechanism; it will tell you if you have receive enough sleep, or not. If you are cranky, tired, irritable, or lacking energy, you need more sleep.
I hope you can reduce your stress level, as well as improve your overall health by adopting at least some of the tips.
To happy and healthy Living!
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