Diet and Stress

Diet and Stress

 

 By consistently engaging in poor eating habits to deal with stress, individuals are unable to break the vicious cycle.
 
To help manage stress, try these calm-inducing, mood-improving tips: 

• Don’t Skip the Carbohydrates
  Carbohydrates have acquired a bad reputation from some popular fad diets, but carbs are essential in the diet and can help boost serotonin levels, which can reduce stress and improve mood. Choose complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal and sweet potatoes to help ditch the stress.
• Grab Some Dark Chocolate
  Chalk up another health benefit for dark chocolate! Rich in antioxidants, this sweet treat can help reduce stress hormones. Just be sure to watch your portion size. One ounce a day is enough to provide health benefits, and contains about 150 calories and 9 grams of fat. 
• Let it Go
  Allow yourself to get lost in a hobby you enjoy to help take your mind off of stressful issues, even if it’s for a short period of time. Yoga and other forms of exercise are a great release and can help put things into perspective.