Nutrition & Stress
Busy schedules, the holidays, work, parties, shopping... AHHH!!! So much stress! Have you ever stopped to think about how your nutrition plays a role with stress? Probably not. Most people do not look at nutrition as a stress relief, a lot of people use food in a negative way which does not help them overcome the stress.
What is the first thing you do when you have had a rough day or are stressed? You grab junk food.
You choose the wrong foods: Cortisol levels increase (the stress hormone) which make people crave foods high in fat and sugar, which is why we grab potato chips or cookies or anything that gives us comfort. Think about this next time you are stressed!
Emotional Eating
Whether it's stress, mourning a loss, being angry or any kind of upset. We turn to food. Food is there to comfort, but is it really? I know that if I eat something due to an emotion- I feel worse after I eat it. This can go for being happy too! Celebrating something can lead to "Let's eat all of this cake to celebrate my promotion!" or "Let's go drink tonight to celebrate!" Do you monitor what you are putting into your body? Most likely- no, because you are thinking with your emotion.
Skipping Meals
When you live a busy lifestyle and have a million things on your mind- you can forget to eat... I have no idea how someone can do this because I eat every 2 hours. But, it happens. Things become more of a priority rather than getting some food in your belly. Studies have shown that you are more productive and less stressed if you sit down and eat a well balanced meal. It will also help your immune system stay active while you are so busy.
So, How can we reduce stress?
Drink water- This will give you energy, make you feel full & cleanse your system.
Carry a healthy snack- This will help you to not grab an unhealthy snack and make you more aware.
Exercise- Exercise works wonders, it releases toxins and helps you get tension out of your body. It doesn't have to be anything too strenuous, it can be as simple as a walk or a Zumba class!
Be aware of your "go to" bad stress habits- Know your trigger foods. Try to keep healthy snacks in your home or at work so that you can make the best decision for your body rather than going for the junk food.
Learn to relax- Life is hard, life gets busy and stressful, take time whether it's a few times a week, once a week or a few minutes per day to relax yourself. Meditation, or a yoga class or even treating yourself to a massage to release tension. It will help!
Keep these things in mind daily! Especially through the holiday season, because this is when people are the most stressed and when the most weight is gained. Stay on track, keep your goals in mind and be the best version of you!
xox
What is the first thing you do when you have had a rough day or are stressed? You grab junk food.You choose the wrong foods: Cortisol levels increase (the stress hormone) which make people crave foods high in fat and sugar, which is why we grab potato chips or cookies or anything that gives us comfort. Think about this next time you are stressed!
Emotional Eating
Whether it's stress, mourning a loss, being angry or any kind of upset. We turn to food. Food is there to comfort, but is it really? I know that if I eat something due to an emotion- I feel worse after I eat it. This can go for being happy too! Celebrating something can lead to "Let's eat all of this cake to celebrate my promotion!" or "Let's go drink tonight to celebrate!" Do you monitor what you are putting into your body? Most likely- no, because you are thinking with your emotion.
Skipping MealsWhen you live a busy lifestyle and have a million things on your mind- you can forget to eat... I have no idea how someone can do this because I eat every 2 hours. But, it happens. Things become more of a priority rather than getting some food in your belly. Studies have shown that you are more productive and less stressed if you sit down and eat a well balanced meal. It will also help your immune system stay active while you are so busy.
So, How can we reduce stress?
Drink water- This will give you energy, make you feel full & cleanse your system.
Carry a healthy snack- This will help you to not grab an unhealthy snack and make you more aware.
Exercise- Exercise works wonders, it releases toxins and helps you get tension out of your body. It doesn't have to be anything too strenuous, it can be as simple as a walk or a Zumba class!
Be aware of your "go to" bad stress habits- Know your trigger foods. Try to keep healthy snacks in your home or at work so that you can make the best decision for your body rather than going for the junk food.
Learn to relax- Life is hard, life gets busy and stressful, take time whether it's a few times a week, once a week or a few minutes per day to relax yourself. Meditation, or a yoga class or even treating yourself to a massage to release tension. It will help!
Keep these things in mind daily! Especially through the holiday season, because this is when people are the most stressed and when the most weight is gained. Stay on track, keep your goals in mind and be the best version of you!
xox
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