Stress and Healthy Eating: Eat Your Way to Peacefulness

Stress has become a chronic problem for many people these days, and overeating is often the way that many people deal with stress. But did you know that healthy eating can actually help you reduce stress and enjoy a much more peaceful way of life? Below are 3 strategies for using healthy eating to reduce stress:

Stress and Healthy Eating Strategy #1

Don’t skip meals. When you skip meals, your blood sugar tends to drop, which can leave you feeling shaky, irritable, and much more susceptible to stressful situations. Eating something every 3-4 hours at a minimum helps keep your blood sugar levels nice and steady, which makes you feel physically stronger.

See: How Eating More Often Can Help You Eat Less

Stress and Healthy Eating Strategy #2

Eat calming, healthy foods. Foods like turkey breast, tuna, oranges, nuts, avocados, and oatmeal are helpful in lowering blood pressure and inducing a sense of calm within you. Even better, they’re all very good for you, so you don’t have to feel guilty enjoying a serving or two each day.

See: Foods That Burn Fat: The Top 10 Lists

Stress and Healthy Eating Strategy #3

Enjoy a berry smoothie. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants which can help minimize production of the stress hormone cortisol. So grab a cup or two of your favorite berries, add some low-fat yogurt and a little bit of skim milk, and whip them all into a creamy, delicious stress-busting elixir.

See: Top 5 Healthy Fruits to Eat for Weight Loss

One of the reasons why healthy eating can reduce stress so effectively is because stress is often triggered and intensified by all of the refined sugar, chemicals and preservatives found in unhealthy foods. Ironically, it is usually those foods we tend to reach for when we feel stressed! But now you know better – reach for something healthy and smile as your stress melts away and your health improves day by day.

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