We are officially on the countdown.
Eeeeek…there’s only 10 days till Christmas!!
I don’t know about you but it feels like it’s creeping up like a silent ninja!!
Are YOU feeling the stress?
With all the pressures and demands placed on us by work, family and other relationships….add Christmas to the mix and hey, life can be pretty stressful.
How is it affecting YOU?
Are you reaching for the wrong foods?
Are smoking/drinking more?
These are both terrible choices for your health, hormones AND waistline.
But…
What if you could EAT your way to a more relaxed, calmer state WITHOUT packing on the pounds?
And what if you could do it while DROPPING some of that stubborn festive flab?
Good news…. you can, when you know which belly-slimming foods to reach for when things happen to get a little CRAZY.
Here are 8 of my faves:
1. Oatmeal
Carbs prompt your brain to make more serotonin – your body’s natural ‘feel good’ chemical.
Choosing a low GI carb like oatmeal is a healthy choice for your waistline and blood sugar levels while providing a steady, sustained supply of serotonin for a calming, soothing effect.
2. Oranges
Consuming Vitamin C while under stress can reduce your increase of cortisol (body’s no.1 stress hormone) and blood pressure.
Other foods high in Vitamin C include peppers, kiwis, kale, broccoli, berries, cantaloupe and tomatoes.
3. Turkey
Turkey contains an amino acid called L-tryptophan which also triggers serotonin release and a relaxed state.
Hmmm, that explains all the napping at Christmas! lol.
4. Salmon
Salmon and other fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have a positive effect on stress levels.
Omega-3s help keep the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline from peaking.
A study at Ohio State University showed omega-3 fatty acids to decrease anxiety by 20%!
5. Avocados
Due to their high potassium content, avocados have been shown to help reduce stress-related high blood pressure.
Avocados actually contain more potassium than bananas!
Guacamole anyone?
6. Broccoli
Broccoli contains folic acid which is a vitamin proven to reduce stress, anxiety, panic and depression.
Just another reason to add this super food to your meals.
7. Almonds
These badboys are packed with B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium and zinc, all of which help produce serotonin.
The zinc and magnesium combo in particular has been shown to improve sleep.
One of my favourite snacks is almond butter with oatcakes…mmmm crunchy, satisfying and definitely a good stress buster.
8. Blueberries
Packed with antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress within the body.
Blueberries are also rich in Vitamin C which I touched on earlier with oranges.
Another one of my favourite snacks is to throw these into Greek yoghurt with some honey, seeds and cinnamon – YUM.
Christmas can definitely be a stressful time but it only happens once a year and is an amazing chance to spend QT with the people we love so…
Make sure you ENJOY it.
Make time for YOURSELF.
Make it the HEALTHIEST & HAPPIEST you can!
As always I’d love to hear from you:
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Lee ‘the stress buster’ Donald x
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