Stress-free eating
‘Simone, are you on the detox again?’ A question my friend S. asked me when I was slurping my lean bowl of soup last week. Indeed: again. I added that my body was screaming for some extra attention: I had busy weeks behind me and there was a lot of news (but also a lot of fun) on the agenda. And since I just keep exercising like crazy during such a busy period, my body reacts quite strongly to that. With too much tension, your body remains constantly alert. And if that ultimately results in a hefty dose of cortisol (yes, the stress hormone) in your body, stress is often the result. And we all know that when stressed, we tend to reach for unhealthy, fatty, and carbohydrate-rich foods. Or we go completely wild on caffeine. And those are exactly the things we should avoid when we crave peace and regularity. Sugar and caffeine cause your cortisol levels to spike, making you not only bounce through the day, but your blood pressure also rises. So what should you eat when your mind is working overtime? I’ve put it together for you.
1. Avocado
Enormous favorite (smashed avocado and a poached egg on toast, stop it with me) and definitely not a punishment to eat when you’re racing through the day like a stress chicken. Avocado is rich in magnesium and plays an important role in relaxing the muscles and nerves. If you have a deficiency of this substance, there’s a good chance that a lot of adrenaline is racing through your body, keeping it constantly alert.
2. Kiwi
A kiwi is a very good source of vitamin C. Because a kiwi has such a high vitamin C content, it helps lower the stress hormone produced in your bloodstream. If you suffer a lot from stress, the need for plenty of vegetables and fruits is very high. Leave that fries alone and go for a well-filled salad and a piece of fruit.
3. Spinach
Zinc in green leafy vegetables plays an important role in the metabolism in your brain and is necessary for our body cells and immune system. If you are under a lot of stress, the need for a good portion of zinc is very high. Throw a bag of spinach in the wok, add pumpkin seeds, and your mind will thank you.
4. Green tea
Replace your cup of coffee with a large cup of green tea. It helps you eliminate waste.
Leave that fries alone and go for a well-filled salad and a piece of fruit
5. Dark chocolate
Now I really understand that you crave sweet and fatty when you’re not feeling quite right. Don’t do it, girlfriend, because really, it only backfires. Still craving something tasty when you flop down on the couch tonight? Go for a bar of dark chocolate. Studies have shown that dark chocolate can help reduce anxiety. And anxiety creates stress. Dark chocolate also contains magnesium, tryptophan, and antioxidants. Tryptophan promotes the production of the happiness hormone serotonin, the counterpart of cortisol.
6. Salmon
Salmon is packed with Omega 3 fatty acids that have a positive effect on your body. They help reduce the production of the stress hormone and promote the production of serotonin.
7. Sweet potato
Vitamin B5 is found in sweet potatoes and this vitamin is important for energy production. Energy is released from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. This helps us with fatigue and provides the energy we need.
8. Asparagus
Asparagus contains a lot of magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamins like B1, B2, B6, and C. It also contains the amino acid asparagine. This substance has a beneficial effect on blood pressure.
9. Nuts
Nuts, like salmon, contain a lot of Omega 3 fatty acids. Have a handful of nuts with your cup of green tea for some extra production of the happiness hormone.
10. Oatmeal
Oatmeal contains the right carbohydrates that increase serotonin levels, allowing you to relax better. Serotonin also helps you produce more melatonin in the evening, making it easier to fall asleep.
Those detox days did me a world of good. For three days, my days consisted of light plant-based eating and lots of herbal tea. Coffee, sugar, and alcohol were forbidden words. I felt reborn and was back to flitting around the editorial office in no time.
Image source: Brooke Lark
