Stress Busters

 Natural Mood Boosting/Stress Busting Remedies

Helping you come out of that ugly funk, one healthy choice at a time 

Everyone has their moments of feeling overwhelmed with life in general. No one wants to feel this way but it is just one of those "funks" that seems hard to shake. A lot of the time it has to do with lack of sleep or exercise- yes people, exercise is a proven mood & energy booster, so don't be lazy! However, what most do not realize is that our diet has just as much to do with our mood as sleep and exercise do. I've compiled a list of foods (with the help of a few nutrition text books, along with Self Magazine and LIVESTRONG online) to incorporate into any meal to help treat those unwanted stressful days. 

High Quality Carbs 

Veggies & Fruits

Brown Rice

Barley

Apples, Pears, Strawberries, Oranges

Sweet Potatoes

Carrots, Peas, Beans
Why?
Not only do complex and whole grain carbohydrates provide fiber and energy, they also help create that relaxing neurotransmitter serotonin during the digestion process.

Soluble Fibers

Oats

Beans

Peas & Lentils

Brown & Wild Rice
Why?
Helps to bring down blood sugar levels by reducing the absorption of sugar into the blood.

Protein

Poultry

Seafood

Tofu

Eggs
Low-Fat Yogurt
Why?
Contributes dopamine and epinephrine, which have the capacity to give the body more energy.  

Foods Rich in Vitamin B12 & Folic Acid

Beans and Greens

Meats, Fish, Poultry, and Dairy

Why?

B Vitamins stimulate the brain’s production of serotonin, helping you relax.

Feeling down? 

Go for foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Research indicates they can relieve the blues. For omega-3s, try ground flaxseed and oily fish like wild salmon; good sources of vitamin D include fortified skim milk and egg yolks. 

Angry? 

Ease your anger with potassium, an electrolyte that helps lower blood pressure. Bananas, avocados, black beans, corn, potatoes and white beans contain the calming ingredient.

Tired?

If you are constantly tired, it might not be because of a lack of sleep. According to the Centers for Disease Control, iron is an essential mineral in our bodies used as part of hemoglobin to carry oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies. When individuals have too little iron, they may develop anemia, which can lead to fatigue caused by a lack of oxygen to the body's tissues. Consuming iron-rich foods, including fortified cereals, beans, beef, seafood such as oysters and clams, and leafy green vegetables such as spinach, can help prevent development of anemia.


Cranky/Fatigued?
Water!!!! According to "Psychology Today," another underlying cause of fatigue may be mild dehydration due to a reduction in oxygen-rich blood flow to the organs. Therefore, individuals should consume plenty of water throughout the day--about 8 cups--to prevent dehydration-induced fatigue.

Try incorporating these foods into at least 2 meals a day, the results will surprise you :)

Information via Self Magazine & LIVESTRONG online