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When we are stressed we often consume comfort food and feel more unhappy due to the extra calories as well as its effect on our mood. Be it a bite of sinful sweet, a slice of deep-fried samosa or a handful of crunchy cookies, these tasty foods can perk up the mood for a moment or two but dull the senses, leading to your stress. Level increases. Instead of calming you down for the challenge to come. If you seek out such comfort foods during a highly stressful day, you may end up stressed about your weight gain in the long run. So, to make your day easier, it is important to choose your snacks carefully and include nutrient-rich items, be it makhana, almonds, berries or Greek yogurt. These foods will not only relieve your stress but will also keep your energy levels high. (Also read: Coconut water for weight loss; 6 ways it can help you lose kilos)
“As a nutritionist, I often advise my patients to avoid stressful eating habits, especially junk food. Instead, I recommend keeping fruit and a handful of almonds nearby for healthier snacking options. Makhana is also a good option for snacking. It is important to shift our focus from just snacking to healthy snacking, says Dr Rohini Patil, MBBS and nutritionist.
Best foods to relieve stress
Dr. Patil shares five foods that can reduce your stress and promote relaxation
1. Bananas
Next time you feel overwhelmed, consider eating a banana. Bananas are rich in nutrients that can help calm your nerves. Bananas contain potassium, which helps control blood pressure and keeps the heart functioning stable even during stressful situations. Additionally, they are a convenient and portable snack that you can take anywhere.
2. Almonds
Almonds play an important role in dealing with stress due to their richness in nutrients. They are rich in magnesium, which promotes relaxation and helps deal with stress. Additionally, their high vitamin E content acts as an antioxidant, protecting the body from the harmful effects of stress-induced free radicals. Eating a handful of almonds every day can be a convenient and effective way to reduce stress.
3. Green Tea
Sipping a cup of green tea can feel like a hug to your body from within. Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. So, instead of opting for that third cup of coffee when you’re feeling jittery, consider brewing a soothing cup of green tea.
4. Seasonal Berries and Fruits
Eating seasonal berries and fruits are also useful options. They are rich in Vitamin C which helps in dealing with stress. Oranges, grapes, watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries are the best suited, they are also loaded with antioxidants that help reduce stress and anxiety. They also improve your mood, making you feel light and refreshed.
5. Makhana
Makhana is a great snacking option, it is rich in micronutrients like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and also contains antioxidant compounds like gallic acid and epicatechin that reduce inflammation and protect against stress and other health conditions. Eating ghee roasted almonds with ghee roasted makhana is the best combination.
6. Greek Yogurt
Did you know that your gut health can affect your stress levels? This is where Greek yogurt comes in handy. Rich in probiotics, it promotes a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut, which can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Enjoy it as a snack or use it as a creamy topping for your favorite dishes – either way, your stomach will thank you for it.
By eating these foods, you can nourish your body and mind, making you feel calmer, happier, and more resilient in the face of life’s challenges.
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