While you may not realize it, stress can be quietly ruining your diet. In today’s hectic society it seems as though just about everyone has more to do than they can really handle, too many projects going at once, and plenty of running around. If you are one of the millions trying to stick to a diet, the added stress only makes it harder to resist those ‘comfort’ foods we enjoy, and managing your weight becomes that much more difficult.
This does not have to happen. You can stick to your plan, drop those extra pounds, and even feel better in the process. Here are four great ways to reduce stress so you don’t ruin your diet:
1. Eat More Carbs: Now by carbs I don’t mean the empty calories in simple carbs, don’t go eating cookies and cake, that is what we are trying to avoid. I am talking about complex carbs which are digested slowly and help to release sugar into your system in a controlled way. Eating complex carbs has been shown to help your brain produce the ‘feel good chemical’ serotonin which helps you feel happier and relax, they are a great addition to your evening meal. So stock up on whole grain pasta and bread that you can add to your lunch and dinner to help you relax.
2. Snack on Crunchy Foods: Again, I don’t mean unhealthy crunchy foods like potato chips, I mean things like raw vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts, that are packed full of nutrients to help your body cope with the stress it is under. They can also have other beneficial effects, like pistachio nuts can actually combat stress hormones, and they can help to lower your blood pressure too. Eating a crunchy food like a carrot can also help to relax your jaw. When we get stressed then we don’t realize that often we clench our jaw, which can lead to painful headaches and make us feel worse, chewing on things like vegetables and seeds helps to relieve that tension.
3. Take Some Natural Supplements: Using natural supplements can help you to relax and improve your mood, but of course you should consult your doctor before you try them, and you should only take them for a short time while you find a more permanent solution, otherwise you could come to rely on them too much. A recent study where people took a large dose of vitamin C before a stressful event helped to stop fluctuations in cortisol levels and blood pressure. Also valerian root is a natural sedative which can help you to relax, and St. John’s Wort is believed to help improve your mood.
4. Exercise: One of the absolute best stress busters is exercise. Activity burns calories, increases blood flow and oxygen circulation, and produces endorphins (endorphins are chemicals that cause you to feel happy). Exercising just thirty minutes per session, three to four times a week can provide tremendous results and help you stick to your diet, while burning calories too, so you get a double whammy!
If you don’t have a good diet program to follow yet then check out this Strip That Fat review to see a diet that is popular at the moment.