What foods are you most likely to crave when you are stressed? Comfort foods are what our stressed bodies and minds crave more often than we might think. You might choose to eat a piece of cake or a burger with fries. This type of eating can provide temporary satisfaction and an energy boost, but then it becomes a draining recepti experience. High-calorie, high-carb, and sugary foods won’t help us to de-stress. If we want to reduce stress, we should eat foods high in Omega 3s, whole grains, and protein. These are some foods you can keep in your fridge when you are stressed.
Pistachios – Pistachios are rich in Vitamin B6, which is necessary to make serotonin. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, regulates our mood. It can also be found in avocados, sweet potatoes, garlic, and avocados.
Sliced Red Peppers- Red peppers contain Vitamin C. Psychology Today reports that people who consumed high amounts of Vitamin C prior to stress-inducing events, such as an oral presentation, experienced lower blood pressure and a faster recovery from cortisol spikes.
Dark Chocolate – Research has shown that a small amount of dark chocolate can help us feel calm. Chocolate contains flavonoids that help lower stress hormone cortisol.
Complex carbs such as whole grain oatmeal and oatmeal are slowly digested, so they don’t spike blood sugar. Oatmeal is also known to help produce serotonin, a de-stressing neurotransmitter.
Spinach, spinach, and other leafy greens contain stress-busting magnesium. Low magnesium levels can lead to depression and stress in people with high C-reactive protein levels.
Encourage healthy eating habits
Children develop a natural liking for the foods they love, regardless of whether they are toddlers or teens. Healthy eating habits can be encouraged by making nutritious choices attractive.
Instead of focusing on specific foods, focus on the overall diet. Children should eat more whole foods and minimally processed food. This means food that is as natural as possible, as well as food that is less processed and packaged.
Role model. Do not ask your child to eat vegetables while eating potato chips.
You can disguise the flavor of healthier foods. For example, add vegetables to a beef stew or mash carrots with mashed potato. Or, dip slices of apple in sweetened yogurt.
You can cook more meals at home. Takeout and restaurant meals are high in sugar and unhealthy fat, so cooking at home can make a big difference to your children’s health. You can feed your entire family if you cook in large quantities.
Encourage your children to help you shop for groceries and prepare meals. Teach them about the different foods they can eat and how to read labels.
Healthy snacks are important. Make sure your kids have healthy snacks such as fruit, vegetables and healthy drinks (water, milk and pure fruit juice).
Limit portion sizes. Do not force your child to clean the plates.