Almost every person that I speak to is running on some level of excess stress.
Work, Family, Fitness… it all feels too much!!!
Long term stress can lead to a suppressed immune response, sleep problems, weight gain and blood sugar abnormalities.
But, a few nutritional tweaks can really help balance the madness
By Including the following foods in your diet on a daily basis you will be well on the way to improved energy, better skin and overall wellbeing.
Hot Chocolate, Red Wine and Fresh Organic Veg … Sounds like a good deal to me!
So here is a list of my go - to stress busting foods.
And my stress kicking, body nourishing hot chocolate recipe
CASHEWS
Cashews contains the amino acid L-tryptophan which converts to serotonin in the body – a feel good chemical responsible for overall wellbeing and feeling great!
Other great sources of tryptophan are protein rich foods such as sesame seeds or tahini, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, natural protein powder and flaxseeds.
COCOA
Cocoa is also rich in a compound called resveratrol, the same that’s found in red wine. Resveretrol helps to control inflammation and protects your brain as well as calm the nervous system. it is also high in magnesium which helps muscles relax
So wind down with an organic hot chocolate before bed
PROTEIN-RICH FOODS
Protein is an essential nutrient to help your body cope with high stress levels by stabilising blood sugar spikes, reducing mood swings, jitteriness and improving sleep.
chicken, fish, red meat, eggs, nuts and organic yoghurt are perfect healthy choices
Drop the 3pm Cadbury and coffee and have a handful of nuts
or a spoonful of the literally orgasmic Hazelnut spread from the Field Whole Foods
GREEN FOODS
Plant based superfoods such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, cauliflower and brussel sprouts are rich in a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help reduce internal stress.
fresh salads, vegetable based soups and morning green smoothies are all perfect choices
BANANAS
Bananas are high in tryptophan which helps make serotonin – the feel good hormone responsible for making us feel great.
Hot Chocolate is Actually a health food when made the right way!
This nutrient packed hot choc is guaranteed to help you wind down before bed.
HEAT 1 1/2 cups of cashew milk in a pot until almost boiling.
(Home made cashew milk - 1 C cashews, 2 C water, 1 date.
Throw in a blender. strain out pulp and store in the fridge for up to three days)
Mix in 1 Tsp raw cacao powder,
DRIZZLE of organic honey
MIX into the milk using a whisk.
POUR into a large mug or bowl
SPRINKLE with ground Cinnamon or Nutmeg and enjoy.
SWEETEN to taste if desired.
Enjoy & Sleep well xx