Going through an incredibly hectic and stressful sschedule of juggling a job, and many other commitment including taking care of yourself? All this stress can cause many types of diseases and be the cause of depression. The good news is, your food intake can help ward off this feeling and can be a stress reliever. Here are 6 things you can munch on to help you get back in a good mood.
1. Fish
Research shows that gazing at aquarium fish can help reduce stress and subsequently lowers blood pressure. Ironically, eating fish can do the same as well (and we don’t mean your aquarium fishes!). Many types of fish have all the important vitamin B’s especially B12 which is known to be a stress fighter. B12 is one of the most vital vitamins as a deficiency of it can lead to depression. Something as simple as a tuna sandwich, can make a different in your mood!
2. Pasta and Brown Rice
As much as we try to avoid the carbohydrates, it’s hard to entirely be off it which is a good thing because carbs boost serotonin levels leading to your body having a calming effect. Though all types of carbs work when it comes to momentarily relieveing stress, eat brown rice or pasta instead. They contain complex carbohydrates that will give you a sustained amount of energy that will keep you going all day, which is great for mainting high levels of energy at stressful times.
3. Milk
Milk contains vitamin B’s such as B2 and B12 (like in fish) which are stress fighters. Milk also contains antioxidants that help prevent and destroy radicals that are associated with stress.
4. Fruits
You can never go wrong with fruits and all the amazing goodness that comes from consuming them. Fruit contains different types of vitamins and minerals, which means you can’t go wrong regardless to what fruits you have. It’s a stress free way of getting healthy food in your system as well as keeping your body nurished and boosting your mood. Blueberries and bananas have proven to be the most effective of all types of fruits.
5. Beef
Beef contains high levels of zinc, iron, and B vitamins, which are also known to help stabilize your mood and keep you calm. Howver beef does contain unhealthy fat that can causes diseases like heart disease, but you can always ask your butcher to cut out the excess fat part of it and indulge in the rest or look out for parts that have the least fat content. Keep a healthy balance of the meat you eat.
6. Almonds
Who would have thought these crunchy nuts would be a stress reliever? Almonds are full of vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. B vitamins and magnesium help the production of serotonin, which is used to help regulate a good feeling and to relieve stress. Vitamin E is and antioxidant that destroys free radicals that are stress related. Almonds however, as high in fat hence you should only have a little at a time. We’re impressed at how such a small nut can make all the difference.