Stress causing food and what to eat instead
Food is as much about the moment, the occasion, and the company as it is about the taste.
Ever had a stressful day and just craved sweet and salty food, haven’t we all? Well, it turns out it might be increasing stress levels in the long run. The sweet and salty food only temporarily gives relief. This food has been shown to increase cortisol levels (the primary hormone that causes stress). If salty and sweet foods can increase stress levels then that must mean some foods reduce it.
The foods that are stress-provoking:
● Alcohol
● Caffeine
● Sugary drinks and foods
● Processed foods
● Foods high in trans fats and excessive saturated fats
Sometimes the cravings for salty and sweet foods are hard to ignore, so instead of eating the unhealthy option. Why not try some healthier alternatives, such as:
● Sea Salt Chickpea Snacks
● Kale Chips
● Dark Chocolate
● Nuts
● Berries and Citrus Fruits
● Edamame
● Hummus and vegetables
● Teas
Here are also some foods that you should add to your diet to help reduce stress if you don’t already include them.
● Food that is high in omega-3 fatty acid
○ Protein - Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines, Soy Beans
○ Seeds - Flax seeds, Chia seeds,
○ Nuts - Walnuts
● Foods high in vitamins A, C and E
○ Vitamin A - Sweet potato, Kale, Carrots, Winter Squash
○ Vitamin C - Citrus, Sweet yellow peppers, broccoli, chilli peppers
○ Vitamin E - Sunflower seeds, Almonds, Pumpkin, Asparagus
● Foods high in vitamin B
○ Protein - Salmon, beef, eggs
○ Vegetables - Leafy Greens
○ Dairy - Milk, yoghurt
● Prebiotic and probiotic foods
○ High fibre foods: raspberries, whole grains and beans
○ Fermented foods: kefir, aged cheese, sauerkraut and kombucha
● Magnesium-rich foods
○ Fruits: bananas and avocados
○ Vegetables: broccoli and spinach
○ Nuts and seeds: almonds, cashews, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and chia seeds
○ Legumes: lentils, beans, chickpeas and peas
○ Dark chocolate
However, these are just foods that can help prevent stress but you shouldn’t rely on solely them. Don’t forget to exercise and get enough sleep to help reduce your stress as well.
