Everyone has heard of comfort foods…those are usually the ones that do us harm like French bread with tons of butter (one of mine).
Remember…when we get those urges, it is an emotional response and the cause is usually some sort of stressor.
Here are some healthy options that help to naturally reduce stress to try when you feel the need for some of your old Comfort Foods coming on.
- Swiss Chard lots of Magnesium, considered an anti-stress mineral.
- Cauliflower high in fiber to promote healthy digestion & elimation.
- Spinach Vitamins A, C, K, folate & Minerals Manganese & Iron.
- Pumpkin Seeds Zinc
- Broccoli Vitamin C and antioxidants
- Tuna Protein and omega-3, a natural anti-inflammatory.
- Asparagus antioxidants & tryptophan (an amino acid used to make serotonin, which helps sleep & healthy mood).
- Nutritional Yeast B vitamins, 15 minerals, boosts metabolism, stabilizes blood sugar and weight loss.
- Bell Peppers High in Vitamin C & dietary fiber.
- Parsley Flavonoids (antioxidant), Vitamins A & C.
- Strawberries Phytonutrients (antioxidants that control inflammation).
- Wild Caught Salmon High in Omega-3.
- Coconut Water High in Potassium & Magnesium.
- Sardines Omega-3 & protein
- Tulsi Tea/Holy Basil decreases stress hormones & corticosteroids.
- Walnuts High in Omega-3, B Vitamins, magnesium.
- Turkey l-tryptophan, precursor to serotonin.
- Beef Omega-3 & Zinc.
- Eggs high in vitamins, minerals & good fats that help release endorphins.
- Cottage Cheese high in Calcium, protein, & amino acid tryptophan.
- Chicken Protein & amino acids.
- Shiitake Mushrooms Vitamin C.
- Carrots High in Beta-Carotene (antioxidant that supports the immune system).
- Green Tea chlorophyll, anti-inflammatory flavonoids & magnesium.
- Kale Vitamin C, Manganese & l-tryptophan.
- Blueberries Anthocyanins (plant nutrients) protect against some chronic stress related diseases.
- Sweet Potatoes Beta-carotene, dietary fiber & potassium.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil Polyphenols (anti-inflammatory)
- Turmeric Curcumin (suppresses inflammation & supports liver health).
- Celery Phthalides (relaxes muscles in the arteries to reduce blood pressure).
Everybody says Stress Kills.
It leads to risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, digestive problems like ulcers, obesity and many others.
Doctors are always telling us to get healthy, eat right and exercise.
Everyone knows developing healthy eating habits is important. Unfortunately, most people are not very likely to start eating many of the foods on this list.
We can do a few things.
We can get mentally tough and make up our minds to start eating at least some of these foods.
Check out my blog posts under the recipes section for ideas to incorporate some of these foods. Hate cauliflower? Try this Cauliflower Pizza crust recipe I found at Sandy’s Kitchen.
If getting mentally tough is a longer process for you, or just too darned tough, you might want to take a look at Greens, a blend of 38 herbs and nutrient-rich “superfoods” equivalent to 8+ servings of fruits and vegetables.
Greens is a pleasant tasting, orange-flavored powder. Simply add to 8 oz of water or juice.
Live Strong, Live Healthy!
I always love to hear what you have to say. What are your trigger foods? Have you incorporated any of the above foods into your diet to help reduce your stress related food cravings?
Remember!…Sharing is Caring!…Please Like, Tweet & Share this post so others can benefit, too!
Believe In Your Success, I Do!
Karen
Skype me! karen.j.miller
Tel: 1.541.484.5455 PST
{Article Source: iVillage Stress No More! Try These 30 Calming Foods}
