Top Five Comfort Foods to Reduce Stress
We all have those stressful days when all we need is good food. Who hasn’t rushed home to sit in front of the television, open a bag of chips and gorge themselves until feeling better? However, this brief respite from stress can harm you (and your waistline) in the long run. So rather than grabbing that bowl of Cheetos, try these heart-healthy foods that provide just as much comfort without piling on the calories.
Kiwis and Strawberries: Pretty much anything enriched with vitamin C will help fight stress since it is able to boost the immune system and lower cortisol levels. Even bell peppers or oranges will assist in staving off stress and illness. It’s also a much better option to present to kids.
Black Tea: Tea is loaded with antioxidants and amino acids that help neurotransmitters in the brain reduce stress levels. Black tea is a particularly excellent option to reduce those cravings for sugary and fatty foods.
Dark Chocolate: The recommended daily amount is one ounce a day, which isn’t much but the fact that dark chocolate is now regarded as a healthy treat (in moderation) is good news for snackers. It’s known for releasing dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure, which is a sure-fire way to relieve some of the stress that has built up.
Pistachios: It’s recommended that you buy pistachios with the shells still intact since it will slow down the rate at which you consume them. However, you shouldn’t worry too much since the pistachio contains the least amount of fat and calories of any nut. Pistachios also help keep your blood sugar stable.
Salmon: By now you’ve probably heard of the healthy fats of omega-3 fatty acids in salmon. But did you know they can also reduce pain and inflammation, and even reduce stress levels? If you aren’t a fan of fish, flaxseed or walnuts can also do the trick.
These are just a few of the options available. For a more in depth look, just click the link below.
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