The Stress-Busting Diet

 We all get stressed out every once in a while. Right now, everyone I talk with is having that change-of-season-stress. I personally ball of anxiety over schedule changes this fall-school starting, volunteer organizations I’m involved in, sprots practice and game schedules and the school’s ABCD schedule (if you know you know), fall travel and birthdays, etc.

 I knew I hit my wall when I lost my mind trying to find the required clear plastic ruler that doesn’t exist at any one of the 3 stores I went to and also needed 8 sharpies only come in packs of 5 and 12 (think Steve Martin in "Father of the Bride" ripping hot dog buns out of the packages to make the right number...insanity).

 Anyway, while my eye is starting to twitch at the prospect of my PTA and -gasp- my actual WORK to-do lists, I am reminded that instead of reaching for the tenth cup of coffee this morning and stuffing my face with chips and cookies (and let’s be honest-goblets of wine) that I so badly want, it's actually much better for my anxiety level (and the health of my family relationships) to eat these stress busting foods.

 Maybe you could use a few too :)

• Oatmeal: a nice warm bowl of oats boost levels of serotonin which is a calming brain chemical.
• Spinach: the magnesium in spinach makes sure that you aren't deficient in this vitamin which can lead to fatigue and headaches 
• Fish (the fatty kind): omega-3 fatty acids found in swimmers like salmon and tuna prevent surges in stress hormones
• Avocados: reduce blood pressure by making sure you get enough potassium...avocados have a ton of it
• Crunchy raw veggies: not only do you get filling fiber and vitamins and minerals, the pure act of crunching and chewing a carrot stick, crisp cucumber, jicama or celery causes a clenched jaw to relax
• Berries: they are yummy and they have stress reducing anti-oxidants as well as lots of vitamin C to boost your immune system.
• Dark Chocolate: oh yes...but just a bite and it needs to be at least 70% cocoa. It's packed with antioxidants that lower blood pressure and gives your brain a bit of a relaxed feeling
• Pistachios: this is a two-for-one: they have phytonutrients which give us some antioxidant support and the rhythmic shelling of this diet friendly nut will help you relax and slow down your eating

So, today, I’m taking a deep breath and having oatmeal with blueberries for breakfast, a spinach salad with raw veggies and avocado for lunch and salmon for dinner with a bite of dark chocolate to finish off the day. 

 

Cheers!