Got Stress? Who Doesn’t!

Oh, and doesn’t it kill you when people tell you not to stress over something?

“Don’t stress yourself out about it.”

“Just don’t let the stress get to you.”

“Relax. Why are you letting this stress you out?”

Yeah, like this really helps.

This not only doesn’t help you let go of stress, it can make you feel worse for “letting” the stress bother you so much.

You may even feel guilty when other people are dealing with seemingly bigger problems. But that’s not how stress works. It doesn’t go away in light of other people’s obstacles. And your stress is real and important regardless of anyone else’s problems. And your body views stress the same, no matter the cause.

Since we know that you can’t just “let go” of stress, what can you do? Many people find that regular exercise and meditation can help but eating mood-supporting foods can also be extremely beneficial!

How Stress Affects Us + What to Eat!

First, we need to understand how stress impacts our health. When we are under stress, especially for extended periods of time, our body goes into “fight or flight” mode and certain body functions, like digestion, immune response and reproduction, are put on the back burner.

Cortisol, a major stress hormone, can lead to inflammation when it remains elevated. Many vitamins and minerals are depleted by stress and they may need to be resupplied to the body, including calcium, potassium, zinc and the B vitamins.

We can combat that inflammation by consuming anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding inflammatory foods, (think sugar, processed foods, excess alcohol and caffeine).

Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for and will support healthy brain function and are found in fish like salmon, mackerel and barramundi, as well as seeds, such as chia, flax and hemp. Although not as high in omega-3s as seeds, nuts like walnuts, Brazil nuts and cashews are also good sources. These healthy fats are also anti-inflammatory.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants battle stress like nobody’s business and can be easy to find thanks to the bright colors they add to fruits and vegetables. Vitamins A (orange foods like apricots, sweet potatoes and carrots), C (yellow and red foods like papaya, pineapple, strawberries and peppers) and E (dark leafy greens like spinach, chard and turnip and beet greens) are all powerful antioxidants.

What to Avoid?

Just as important as what foods can help in times of stress, it’s also valuable to know what foods can make stress worse.

Sugar, Processed Foods, Crappy Meats and our Vices

Blood sugar spikes, caused by foods high in sugar and low in fiber, can cause a stress reaction in the body, just as the resulting insulin-induced blood sugar dip can lead to depression-like emotions. Processed and packaged foods are especially likely to lead to this result.

Eating whole foods, those can contain fat, protein and fiber, keep blood sugar more steady and prevent those sugar crashes.

Eating meats that were raised given hormones means you are ingesting those hormones and these can directly impact the hormones that affect our stress levels, like adrenaline and cortisol. To avoid these, aim to purchase organic meats, preferably grass-fed meats, and those marked as hormone-free.

Often times we rely on things like coffee and alcohol to “get us through” stressful days and stressful times. Just remember, these are both stressors for the body, which also can lead to inflammation in excess, so watch your intake and consider subbing green tea, kombucha or sparkling water.

What if Food Itself Stresses You Out?

But relieving or even preventing stress isn’t just about what you eat but how you eat. If cooking adds to your stress, then what you eat won’t have as big of an impact. Maybe the idea of shopping and cooking your dinner fills you with dread? You’re not alone! 

But there are ways to make it more enjoyable!

Tips to Make Food & Cooking More Enjoyable

  • Pick one new recipe a week that is something you’ve always loved to eat but never made. Get adventurous!
  • Consider foods that inspire warming childhood memories. #comfortfood
  • Invite some friends over to cook dinner together, knowing that at the end you will share the meal and be proud of what you made. 
  • Something as small as putting on music you love and dancing around the kitchen can make the experience more enjoyable. (I find pouring myself a nice glass of wine while I cook is an enjoyable ritual I truly enjoy.)
  • Get your kids involved! It’s amazing how excited they get to help cook, this can rub off on you!

How You Eat Matters Too!

The way you eat a meal has an impact on how you feel and how well your body processes it. Too often, you may find yourself standing at the kitchen sink or sitting in your car and wolfing down your food. If you can, take the extra time to sit down, close your eyes and smell the delicious aroma of what you are about to eat. Take in the beautiful colors of the ingredients and consider who grew or raised them. Aim to let go of the stressors that were getting to you before you sat down. Be in the moment (as cheesy as that sounds) and enjoy the flavors of your meal, and you might find it just a little easier to say goodbye to that stress.

Check out my Mindful Meal Challenge for more tips on this important piece of the ‘stress’ puzzle!

Food is Medicine

You may not always have control over the things in your life that cause stress. But if you make conscious choices about how and what you eat, you may find that you are able to take them on with more ease.

Remember, food is medicine! If you find yourself stressed out be mindful of what (and how!) you’re eating to support your body and mind through those stressful times. Never hesitate to reach out if you feel you need further support!
xo
~Katie