Stress Management: Have a Healthy Diet

Stress and diet are interlinked. A healthy diet is an important stress management tool. Diet plays an important role when under stress. Therefore, when our bodies are poorly fed, stress takes an even more significant toll on our health.

The good news is that there are simple lifestyle changes that we can make to help us manage our stress levels. One of these changes should be our diet. We can handle stress better when we are healthy. Eating a balanced and healthy diet is a good defense against stress.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

• Limit caffeine intake

  Beverages such as caffeinated coffee or tea can help improve mental focus when taken in small amounts, but drinking too much may have unintended effects. Too much caffeine leads to increased blood pressure and can make you feel more stressed than you actually are. You may also try substituting herbal or fruit teas instead of caffeinated drinks.

• Drink alcohol in moderation

  Consuming alcohol can also increase your stress level. It leads to the production of adrenaline, which can cause you to have difficulty sleeping. You might also experience a feeling of tension because of your alcohol intake. Alcohol also makes it difficult for the body to get rid of toxins. Limit yourself to 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women.

• Avoid highly refined foods and sugar

  Studies show that a high sugar diet increases stress levels and emotional disorders. Hidden sugars are also in many bowls of cereal, bread, tinned produce, and processed food. Replace refined foods with whole, natural food. You may also choose lean meat, chicken, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds in each meal. Protein helps to slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream.

• Control salt and fat intake

  Salt and fat are the other two substances that can increase your stress level. Salt, for instance, raises blood pressure, leading to out-of-control emotions. As a result, you should not eat high-salt foods such as ham or sausage. Meanwhile, consuming fat can strain the cardiovascular system, which leads to stress.

Remember, how you deal with stress is a choice. Some people turn to cigarettes, sweets, coffee, and alcohol to manage stress. Why not try controlling stress by adopting a healthy lifestyle which includes eating a balanced and healthy diet? Plan your meals ahead of time to ensure you receive the most nutrition.