Feeling stressed? Add these foods to your daily diet!

You’ve probably noticed that when you are stressed, you tend to eat more, and have very strong cravings for sweets.

Stressful situations cause the body to switch to”survival mode”: under the effect of cortisol and leptin, which are stress hormones, the metabolism slows down and the body begins to store “fuel reserves” — more precisely, fat. It is deposited especially in the abdomen area, on the arms and legs.

Here is a list of foods that help you get over stressful periods and avoid gaining a lot of weight!

Berries

Raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and blueberries are the best choice when you feel the need for a dessert or a sweet snack. In addition, they are renowned for their antioxidant rich content, which helps prevent premature aging associated with stress.

Chamomile

Chamomile tea is beneficial for calming the nervous system, but it also prevents infections because it contains a substance called hippuric acid. Chamomile infusion also regulates digestive problems such as stomach cramps and constipation, common symptoms for those who suffer from stress-induced irritable bowel syndrome.

Dark chocolate

The latest studies state that 40 grams of dark chocolate consumed daily can help with stress, because chocolate stimulates release of endorphins and causes a slight euphoria.

Always choose chocolate containing at least 70% pure cocoa.

Walnuts

Walnuts regulate the blood glucose level and thus reduce the appetite, while supporting metabolism. Last but not least, nuts contain vitamins B, zinc, magnesium and omega oils, which are all compounds recommended to combat stress.

Celery

Stress also affects the quality of sleep, causing insomnia. Celery contains tryptophan, a compound that stimulates serotonin secretion, a neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in feeling good and getting quality sleep.

For a soothing sleep, you can pamper yourself with a delicious snack made up of a few slices of celery and sugar-free peanut butter.

Omega-3 Oils

A study published in the American Journal of Physiology showed that people who consume fish oil supplements over a period of one month experienced less mental stress and better overall cardiovascular health than those who did not consume them.

These oils are found in fish (sardines, salmon, trout, mackerel, anchovies, herring), flax and hemp seeds, chia seeds, tarragon, nuts, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables and many others.