3 Foods to Help you Manage Stress

Everyone experiences stress.  Some stress is good for us, in fact, for me it can be downright motivating. That is, until it gets out of control and I lose it and then dive headlong into a bag of chips ☺  

Here are some of the signs that you might be stressed:

IRRITABILITY, SWEATY PALMS, BODY ODOR, HEADACHE, OUT OF CONTROL APPETITE, FOOD CRAVINGS, DIFFICULTY SLEEPING, BAD POSTURE, CHRONIC FATIGUE, RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS, MOOD SWINGS.

Don’t these sound terrible? I think if we exhibit more than two or three of these signs, our friends and co-workers will avoid us!

In addition to STRESS EATING, recent studies have found that people under stress had a 16% greater risk of getting a viral infection and a 20% increased risk for the common cold than those not under stress.  

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1. GREEK YOGURT

Two of the key points in stress management: make sure your diet contains enough protein and probiotics. My new favorite Greek Yogurt, Tillamook-Farm Style, crosses both of those points off my stress management list.

The protein helps to keep me full so I avoid the aforementioned bag of chips. And, plain (avoid sweetened yogurts) Greek yogurt can be a terrific source of probiotics. Recent studies have found that probiotics, also called ‘good’ or ‘helpful’ bacteria can help to keep your gut and digestive system healthy. A healthy gut leads to a healthier immune system.

Don’t like store bought Greek Yogurt? Wiz in the kitchen? Try this Euro Cuisine Greek Yogurt Maker!

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A recent study done on children discovered that children’s stress levels fall within minutes of seeing green spaces. What a blessing it is to me to be able to exercise outside and see a bald eagle flying over the lake looking for his dinner. It was a bit of a stressful work day but I’m good now

2. NATURAL CALM BY NATURAL VITALITY

They call this the anti-stress drink. Personally, I’ve been a fan of this drink since I discovered it three years ago. Research shows that most of us are deficient in magnesium. For example, here are some good sources of magnesium: pumpkin seeds, spinach, kelp and Swiss chard. I don’t know about you, but when I get stressed the last thing I’m craving is a kelp salad.

I was surprised when I read the research about some of the possible symptoms of magnesium deficiency: headaches, muscle cramps and sleeplessness. When I think about my health when I’m under stress I can claim just about all of those symptoms!

When I’m really under a lot of work stress or I’m traveling and eating fewer green veggies that’s usually when I supplement with magnesium. It’s always my suggestion to try food first and then supplement if that’s not working. Key point: Keep in mind that this is a supplement and it’s prudent to check with your physician before trying ANY supplement. As with most supplements, there will be some people with health conditions that shouldn’t utilize magnesium-so discuss with your health care professional.

Try this amazing drink at a discount!

natural vitality

RECIPE BONUS!! The One Minute Wellness Coach’s Quinoa Protein Breakfast Bowl!

  1. Cook up 3 cups of quinoa, using water instead of chicken broth and store in your refrigerator for use throughout the week.
  2. Fruit compote: add 2 cups of berries to a small sauce pan on medium heat. Add in ¾ cup of water and heat & stir until desired consistency. Store in refrigerator for use throughout the week.
  3. Sauté’ 1 cup of raw pumpkin seeds (Trader Joes) in 1 Tbs. of coconut oil in a sauté pan on medium. When the seeds get hot, they might “pop” out of the pan so if they do, take cover, ha-ha. I like my seeds to turn a little brown, so probably about 3-4 minutes on medium heat. Make sure you stir so they don’t get too toasted.
  4. In a small sauce pan, add 1 cup of the cooked quinoa and heat on medium heat. Add a little water if it’s too thick.
  5. Add the quinoa to a breakfast bowl, pour ½ cup of the compote over the quinoa and sprinkle with ¼ cup of the pumpkin seed mixture. Drizzle with a little bit of honey and enjoy!

You’ll literally be jumping for joy!

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Watch me make it on NBC! Having trouble with the video player? Click here. 

3 Comments
  • mother's health
    Posted at 13:20h, 04 May Reply

    Nice written and very informative post.Most of the people take medicine to reduce their stress,but it would be better if they take natural food to decrease their mental stress.

    can chocolate and omega 3 fats reduce stress?

  • Anna Ellis
    Posted at 08:01h, 17 May Reply

    Do you have any suggestions for non-dairy alternatives to Greek Yogurt. I use to eat greek yogurt in excess, I loved the way it tasted and the way it made me feel. However this December, I began having reactions to it. I started getting very sore mouth, almost like a rash n the inside of my mouth. I tried to believe that it couldn’t be the yogurt, but then had to submit to the fact, that I think I am alergic :(. Since then I have been trying to have my replacement to the yogurt. My body misses it. Thoughts.

  • Anna Ellis
    Posted at 08:03h, 17 May Reply

    Also, I have tried a lot of the non-dairy alternative yogurts on the market, but the taste leaves something to be desired from it’s normal greek counterpart. But if you have a good suggestion of an alternative brand, I am all ears! 🙂

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