Keep your diet in check when you’re stressed

When stressed or anxious, many of us turn to unhealthy eating habits to cope with our emotions. This usually goes one of two ways, eating an excess of unhealthy foods (sugar, salt, alcohol), or not eating anything at all.

If you’re in the first camp, it might be 

tempting to reach for something sweet, but those chocolate chip cookies can do more harm than good. Research shows that sugar spikes can make us feel even MORE anxious. So opt for a glass of water and some protein instead, which will provide a slower stream of energy for our body to use.

On the other end of the spectrum, forgetting to eat or avoiding food can result in low blood sugar, making you feel nervous, irritable, and more anxious than you were to start with. If you tend to skip meals when you’re anxious, opt for easy-to-digest foods like buttered toast, rice, or a banana. Then follow it up with a well-balanced meal of protein, carbs, and veggies. A green smoothie with pea protein and a little bit of good fat is also a good option if you do not feel like eating.

For both parties, avoiding excess caffeine and alcohol is a must! Caffeine is a well-known anxiety inducer, and alcohol messes with your serotonin levels, making your symptoms worse.

Instead, opt for water. You may not realize it, but not drinking enough water can make your anxiety symptoms worse, as dehydration can cause heart palpitations while leading to feelings of panic.

Have a wonderful Week!
Toni