Stress produces cortisol (the flight or fight hormone) which causes our body to store just about everything (but especially simple carbohydrates) for future energy or in other words FAT. Here are a few de-stressing foods to help you overcome:
1) Dark Chocolate - Eat a one inch square for an instant mood booster. The polyphenols help lower blood pressure, too. Buy organic 70% Cacao or higher.
2 ) Papaya - This luscious beauty contains A, C, & E and is good for your skin, eyes, heart and immune system. Use in smoothies to satisfy that sweet tooth and soothe your nerves: 1 cup organic unsweetened Almond Milk, 1 papaya (that has been cut into 1 inch chunks and frozen), 1/2 cup organic flat leaf parsley, 1 1/2 tsp. organic lemon peel, 1 tsp. organic vanilla extract and Stevia if needed. Blends to a smooth and creamy texture.
3) Rosemary - This is a proven memory and mood booster. Grow it on your patio for cooking, but don't forget to stop and smell the rosemary from time to time. You will be surprised how good it makes you feel.
4) Flaxseed - Buy organic ground flax and add to cereals, casseroles, and smoothies. The lignans soothe mood swings and prevent overeating. Try my blueberry/flax smoothie: Put 5 oz. of frozen organic blueberries (Simple Truth from Kroger), 1/2 cup organic baby spinach, 1 tablespoon ground organic flaxseed, 2 large tablespoons of organic unsweetened yogurt, 2 to 3 Stevia packets, and 1 1/2 cups of unsweetened organic Almond Milk. Yummmm.
5) Oranges - They are a great source of Vitamin C to help you recover more quickly from stress. Grapefruit, Lemons, Limes, and believe it or not Bell Peppers are loaded with C too. Eat at least one grapefruit a day, add lemons or limes to your water, add oranges to salads, and add bell peppers to all your salads or vegie trey.
6) Celery - This incredible green stalk contains a chemical that lowers the concentration of stress hormones in the blood, relaxing constricted vessels. I juice it every morning along with carrots, cucumbers, lemon and ginger to get my day started off right. Eat celery instead of chips with your sandwich, add it to every vegie trey and salad, and snack on it all day!!!
