Fight Stress With Food

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October 1, 2018 By Mike & Mike's Staff

Feeling constantly stressed throughout your day to day life? It’s possible that part of the cause can be from the types of foods you are eating. Eating stress-inducing foods can not only alter your mood and make you feel bogged down over a long period of time, but it can also affect your sleep and lead to weight gain.

By making some simple changes to your diet, you will notice changes in your mood, energy, and health overall!

Here are some tips on what you can do to combat stress through your diet:

Reduce your caffeine intake – drinking too much coffee (or other similar stimulants) can negatively impact your stress levels. High amounts of caffeine can exhaust your adrenal glands, which are responsible for regulating your stress hormones. To avoid this, try cutting down to one coffee a day, or simply switch to alternative hot drinks. Mushroom, chicory root, or dandelion coffees contain no caffeine, as well as promote hormone balance, mental clarity and control caffeine withdrawal.
Less refined sugar – processed sugars found in most candies and treats can have similar effects on your adrenal glands as coffee can, even spiking your cortisol levels which is a big contributor to chronic stress and weight gain. Try switching to natural sweeteners, such as organic maple syrup and honey, and eating more low-glycemic fruits like pears, apples and cherries.
Have more healthy fats – not only can good fats regulate your stress hormones, but they can also boost your overall mental health! They can be found in foods such as fish, coconut oil and avocados.
Increase protein intake – amino acids found in proteins that you eat can contribute to boosting your mood, such as tyrosine and tryptophan. Choosing lean proteins like fish, salmon and turkey can achieve this as well as give you more sustained energy throughout the day!
More nutrient-dense foods – convenience and fast-foods that are not full of nutrients, vitamins and minerals can really deprive your body of what you need for supporting your mental health, leading to higher stress levels. Eating whole, organic, nutrient-packed foods on a regular basis will keep you happy and healthy.
Adrenal adaptagens – what are these exactly? Adrenal adaptagens are natural foods that can actually work with your adrenal glands to balance your stress hormones. Maca, a popular ginseng root, is one that can boost energy and improve your mood!

Looking for a way to incorporate some of these foods into your day? Try this stress-free smoothie recipe:

1 Tsp maca powder
1 Tbsp honey or organic maple syrup
1 handful of spinach
1 Tbsp raw cacao or cocoa powder
1 Tbsp nut butter
1 ½ C nut milk
1 Tsp cinnamon
1 scoop of protein option* (can be whey or vegan blend)
Blend all ingredients together (with ice if desired) and enjoy!

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