Here’s a quick stress quiz for you:
When you feel stressed out, what kinds of food do you eat?
If you’re like most of us, your answer might be sugar, caffeine, salty foods, or nothing at all. It’s the strangest paradox of all. When we’re stressed out and really need good nutrients, we reach for foods that have the least nutrients of all. In fact, we reach for foods that actually cause us to feel more stressed than ever, even if we feel a bit better in the moment.
For instance, caffeine and sugar can cause your blood sugar to plummet after an hour or two. Plus, caffeine can cause increased stress in your heart rate, respiration, muscle coordination, and thought processes. These foods help for a little bit, but really hurt you in the long run.
Stress and nutrients are closely intertwined. When we’re stressed, eating right can help us get rid of that stress, since stress increases the need for certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And when we eat right, we’re less likely to get stressed because our bodies and minds have all the nutrients they need to handle stressful situations.
How can you take simple steps to eat right and have less stress? Check these quick fixes for stress reduction and good nutrition:
- FEED YOUR BRAIN:
When your brain has all the nutrients it needs, you make better choices about what you eat. Because of the blood-brain barrier, your brain can only use certain micronutrients. One of the best sources of these micronutrients is New Earth bluegreen algae, especially the form that is the heart of the algae. - HYDRATE:
Drink pure water to refresh and cleanse your body and brain. Water is essential to every function in your body, and the more stressed you are, the more water you need. If you drink coffee, drink two cups of water for every cup of coffee. - SET ASIDE TIME TO EAT:
Even if you’re short on time, don’t skip meals or eat while you work. Setting aside even 15 minutes to eat carefully and slowly will pay off. You’ll feel much more energetic and think more clearly. - CUT OUT THE SWEETS:
If you’ve got a sweet tooth when you’re stressed, try eating sweet fruits such as bananas, peaches, and melons instead. Or, try a cup of honey-lemon tea with plenty of honey. Honey won’t strip your body of vital nutrients and lemon has a refreshing zing that will keep you awake. - FEED YOUR BODY:
If you’re not sure you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs on a regular basis, add a whole food supplement to your diet. New Earth’s daily algae, probiotic, enzyme packets contain not only vitamins, minerals and micronutrients, but also probiotics and enzymes, all of which will reduce stress and keep you going. Plus, they are affordable-less than it costs to drink a cup of Starbuck’s coffee every day!
