Nine foods that will keep you jolly during the holidays
Last thing you need is more stress, which over time can increase your risk o high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity .
These yummy, easy to find foods soothe stress and can counteract
Almonds and pistachios When all hell breaks loose, reach for a handful of almonds .they are bursting with vitamin e and antioxidants that bolsters the immune system.
Almonds also contain b vitamins which may help your body hold up seriously unpleasant events. about a quarter cup everyday is all u need
Sick of almonds?
Shell pistachios can help keep your heart from racing when things heat up . we experience immediate cardiovascular responses to stress.when stress strikes the hormone adrenaline raises blood pressure to boost energy – so you are prepared to run like hell if u need to.
was found that that eating one and a half ounces (about handful)of pistachios a ay lowers blood pressure so you heart doesn’t have to work over time.
Avocados
Next time has you hankering for a high fat, creamy treat .the thick rich texture can satisfy your craving and reduce those frantic, feelings plus the green wonders double whammy of monounsaturated fat and potassium can lower blood pressure .one of the best ways to reduce high blood pressure.
Just half an avocado offers 487 milligrams more then you will get from a medium size banana.
Skim milk
Science backs up the old warm milk remedy for insomnia and restlessness .turns out calcium can reduce muscle spasms and soothe tension .it also reduces pms symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety ,and irritability.
Oatmeal
Carbohydrates make the brain produce more serotonin, the same relaxing brain chemical released when you eat dark chocolate. Because thick hearty oatmeal is high in fiber, few things take longer for your stomach to digest
Oranges
Fretting over a job interview o presentation at work? Pour yourself a glass of orange juice or peel yourself one. the magic nutrient here is vitamin c.
People who take 3000 mg Of vitamin c reported that they felt less stressed and their blood pressure and levels of cortisol ( a stress hormone)returned to normal faster vitamin c is also a well known immune system booster.
Salmon
Stress hormones have an arch enemy: omega _3 fatty acids.
A 2003 study from diabetes & metabolism found that a diet rich in omega _3 fatty acids kept cortisol and adrenaline from geysering .
omega_3 fatty acids also protect against heart disease .
eat three ounce serving of fish ,especially fatty fish like salmon ,mackerel, herring and light tuna at least twice a week.
if you are not a fish eater then buy foods fortified with DHA( you will find it in eggs, yogurt milk, and soy products).
Spinach
Magnesium was made to calm holiday insanity. the mineral can help lower your stress levels, keeping your body in a state of relative ease as you kick off yet another round of small talk at the company party. not getting enough magnesium may trigger migraine headaches and make you feel fatigued.
just one cup of spinach provides 40 percent of your daily value so try subbing it for lettuce on sandwiches and salads.
Your anti-stress diet Morning Breakfast: top plain oatmeal with silvered almonds dried cranberry (dried fruits offer all health benefits of regular fruits) And an orange juice.
Snack: munch on pistachio
- Afternoon
Lunch: cup of spinach a strip or two of turkey bacon and a glass (half orange juice other half mineral water)
Snack: one egg
- Evening
Dinner: grilled salmon topped with avocado on a bed of fresh spinach
Snack: two squares of dark chocolate or a glass of low fat milk.
