When your plate is full of
responsibilities and you’re praying for just one moment of peace, it can be
really difficult to put one foot in front of the other; believe us, we know
what it’s like. Taking time for yourself can be hard to do, but if you make it
a point to take just a few minutes to grab a snack, you might be surprised to
find that your stress will start to fade. That is if you know what kind of
snack to grab! While “comfort food” might sound like the right choice, these
healthy snacks are what you should be reaching for when you want to de-stress:
·
Leafy Greens: While a salad might not exactly ring your “comfort food”
bell, there is quite a bit to say about how a bunch of fresh greens can
positively affect your body and your mindset! Crazy as it sounds, spinach
actually helps you to produce dopamine, the pleasure chemical, with how much
folate it contains. If you need to chill, why not make a little salad and
you’ll feel great in no time!
·
Oatmeal: Start your day off with a big bowl of steel cut oats and
you’ll be setting yourself up for a positive start! Since complex carbs (think
no sugar) are known to help the brain create serotonin, a ‘happy’ chemical, you
can effectively control your blood sugar levels so your body has a steady
supply of serotonin to last you through ‘til lunch.
·
Blueberries: A handful of these little guys is just what you mind needs
to relieve your stress! Since blueberries are full of antioxidants and
phytonutrients (basically the superheroes of nutrients), the stress hormones in
your body won’t stand a chance! Bonus: blueberries have been proven to improve
your chances against cancer by boosting your immunity!
·
Salmon: If you’re feeling anxious, your body is probably on
overdrive creating adrenaline and cortisol, the main hormones that are
associated with stress. Luckily, the omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon have
been proven to help counteract these stress-inducing hormones. Why not head to
the sushi bar and indulge in some delicious stress-fight salmon bites?
·
Pistachios: This delicious snack is an easy way to fight anxiety and
enjoy a few moments for yourself. Pack yourself a bag of these nuts and crack a
few open when you get hungry. Not only will the repetitive motion with your
hands help you to chill out physically, but the phytonutrients found in these
nuts will help to calm your brain and offer cardiovascular support as well!
·
Dark Chocolate: Okay, I saved the best for last! While dark chocolate has
been proven to aid in heart health, your mind can also benefit from this sweet
treat! Not only your morale improve from indulging your sweet-tooth, but the
antioxidants in the rich cocoa will help your blood vessels to relax, which in
turn leads to lower blood pressure and improved circulation. Treat yourself to
a bit of dark chocolate and let the stress just melt off your body!
The phrase,
“you are what you eat,” can certainly apply here – when you know what kind of
properties are in your food you can pick the right snacks to benefit any
situation, even the most stressful moments! Which of these super foods that
help fight stress will you be stocking up on?
Stay healthy
Angelika
(credit: L.R.)
