When life gets tough, the body reacts to constant and daily stress. It’s no coincidence that when you’re stressed, your gastrointestinal system is affected, along with other areas of your life. That’s why it’s so important to help your body fight stress. There are many ways to change the habits in your life. One of them is nutrition. Follow the nutritional tips below and maybe even see immediate results in managing your daily stress.
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Choose natural foods and at least five servings of non-starchy vegetables a day
Natural foods and vegetables support the function of your adrenal glandsProvides essential nutrients such as vitamin C, B vitamins and magnesium.
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Start the day with a balanced and rich breakfast
You need to eat in the morning rich and nutritious breakfast it will energize you and keep you full. Avoid processed foods and foods that contain sugar. Eggs, low-fat dairy products, nuts and seeds, fresh fruit, and whole grains are ideal choices.
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Prioritize proteins in your diet
When the body is stressed, it looks for protein. Choose lean meat, chicken, fish, eggs, beans and lentils for dinner. Do not forget the balance between proteins and carbohydrates in meals.
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Do not skip meals
Eat regularly. Don’t forget the small snacks. They will help keep you energized and in a good mood for most of the day. Thus, you will get rid of fatigue and irritability caused by hunger and an empty stomach.
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Avoid refined carbohydrates
Foods high in refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, cookies, sweets, packaged foods, alcohol) cause your blood sugar to rise and therefore, along with stress, fatigue and low energy because you will be hungry more often. Replace whole grains with whole grains and bread or oats.
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Don’t overdo it with caffeine
Caffeine provides an energy boost, which is very transient. So do not overeat with tea and coffee. Too much caffeine can cause exhaustion, as well as anxiety or sadness. Make sure you drink more water to stay hydrated, as one of the signs of dehydration is feeling tired.
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Break the habit of emotional eating
Food is not only fuel for our body to function. It is both pleasant and connected to social contacts, our loved ones and our emotions. Often times we feel sad or stressed and turn to food when the solution lies elsewhere. However, this will lead to unhealthy choices and create a cycle of severe stress that does not help the digestive process either. The result is that you feel bloated and full of guilt and unpleasant feelings. When you’re stressed, try to find ways to relax instead of eating.
See food as a necessity as well as a pleasure. If you get your diet right every day, your body will feel good, strong and full of energy. When everything in your body works like clockwork, stress will also decrease at the same time. Start with simple steps and watch the changes. If you continue to have problems that also affect your diet, see a mental health professional or nutritionist.