Watch my Eat to beat stress segment on the Morning Show - 14th December
I bang on about eating a nutrient-rich diet all the time. Now, I want to give you seven foods to include in a stress-busting diet. If you eat these and other niutrient-rich foods as part of your weight management plan, you'll be better equiped to manage stress, eating triggers and emotions.
1. Rolled Oats > Produce the feel-good chemical serotonin
Contain slow-release, low-glycaemic index carbohydrates that trigger the production of the feel-good brain chemcial called serotonin. Low-carb diets rob your bran of serotonin, so no wonder you get frustrated and hungry when you cut your Starches too much.
2. Salmon > Loaded with omega-3's to help you remember
The EPA and DHA fatty acids get incorporated into brain cells to help them function better. You'll remember deadlines, where you left your kids and other important stuff.
3. Chikpeas > Gives you potassium to lower blood pressure
Packed with potassium to help lower blood pressure caused by stress. One hundred grams of chikpeas has double the potassium as a medium banana. Add them to salads, dip veggies in hommous and try a felafel.
4. Almonds > Rich in vitamin E to fight inflamation
Rich in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that helps reduce inflamation in te body. Stress causes low-level generalised inflamation. Almonds, other nuts, sees and plant oils contain vitamin E to sooth your body's cells.
5. Red capsicum > Packs vitamin C to boost immunity
Brimming with vitamin C to boost immunity that can be compromsied when you get stressed. At around double the vitmin C of oranges, its worth muching on a red capsicum, adding it to salads and soups. The green variety have half the amount of vitamin C.
6. Skim milk > Sports calcium & B vitamins to protect nerves
High in calcium and B vitamins to help frazzled nervse cells regenerate and protect themselves. Get at least two to three dairy serves a day.
7. Whey protein > Has amino acids that trigger serotonin too
Contains alpha-lactalbumim, which is the part of why protein that has generous quantities of the amino acid tryptophan. Just like eating carbohydrate, tryptophan can help boost production of serotonin.
