Foods that Shut Down Stress
You are what you eat. Foods can help you deal with STRESS and even shut it down! Many times what we eat during times of stress are actually the foods that can make it worse. The worst stress producers are foods such as coffee, cocktails, regular teas, caffeinated sodas, salty foods, candy bars, sugary desserts, and high fat foods. So what should you eat?
CAFFEINE-FREE BEVERAGES: Try green and herbal teas. They provide necessary trace minerals, such as zinc and selenium. Try some Chamomile tea or papaya juice which provide tryptophan, an amino acid with a tranquilizing effect.
RAW VEGETABLES: Along with being a great source of fiber, they also contain nerve-soothing potassium, and they are naturally low in sodium. Plus, you get vitamins A and D, and folic acid. Try some dark greens added to your salad: parsley, watercress, and dandelion.
WHOLE GRAINS and NUTS: Great sources of vitamin E, potassium, pantothenic acid (an anti-stress B vitamin). These are nutrients often missing from most fast foods. Magnesium (nature's tranquelizer) is abundant in nuts. Try a bran muffin, oatmeal, wheat germ cereal, and nuts and seeds (even better salt free).
YOGURT: Rich in vitamins A, D, B-complex and a great lowfat source of protein, It is high in calcium which eases the stress of insomnia and migraine headaches. Yogurt is digested 50% faster than regular milk or cheese, so it is very easy on the whole digestive system. Try a breakfast "sundae" made from alternating layers of plain yogurt and and fresh (or frozen) berries.
SEA VEGETABLES and SPROUTS: Dried seaweeds are an acquired taste, but a little can be good sprinkled a fish chowder or salad. Kelp, dulse, and spirulina are high in sodium, but also high in protein, calcium, fiber, and vitamin A. And a cup of fresh sprouts has more vitamin C than strawberries. Try a salad with sprouts, greens, and some dulse flakes.
SOYBEANS: Soy foods are a great source of calcium, magnesium, B-complex vitamins, protein, and tryptophan. Soy is lower in calories, sodium and saturated fats than meats. Try a tuna salad with cubes of tofu mixed in, or roasted soynuts for a snack, or a tofu shake. Next time you're stressing out, reach for a food that can help your body shut down stress, instead of something that might add to it.
