By Kate Donovan, Brides
Ahh, stress. It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle of work and life—especially if you have a big life event like, um, a wedding to plan! The first thing that tends to go when you're burning the candle at both ends is your eating habits. While junk and comfort foods may be totally appealing when you're on the run (or just wiped out at the end of a crazy day), excess sugar, carbs and dairy are not going to help the situation. In fact, processed foods that are loaded down with tons of salt and calories might feel good in the moment, but will actually make your blood sugar spike (which means an eventual crash) and make anxieties rise —definitely not what you need when wedding planning.
Instead, reach for some superfoods. They don't have to be rare Amazonian berries or hard-to-find Ayurvedic remedies (although those won't hurt either!). So many great stress-reducing foods just can be found in the aisles of your grocery store, and they're super easy to prepare, or even to just pick up on the go. It's all about just looking out for some key ingredients, and keeping those processed foods (including caffeine) at a minimum. The result? More energy to tackle that to-do list.
Here are some great foods to grab to keep your energy up and your stress levels down when you're wedding planning.
In addition to a high protein content that will help add long-sustaining energy to your day, this fish is super high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which helps to reduce anxiety. Salmon can be easily prepared in a variety of ways, from pan searing to baking. This delish recipe for roasted salmon is filled with flavor and is ready to eat in less than 30 minutes.
Filled with antioxidants, these little berries not only taste good, but will help boost your immune system (a super helpful tool when you're low on sleep). Toss a handful in a smoothie with almond butter and banana, or layer in to a yogurt parfait.
It's a win-win situation: delicious and good for you. With tons of vitamins and healthy fats, avocados will ensure that you're full longer and your blood sugar is regulated, keeping stress at bay.
Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale are filled with vitamins and minerals, including folate, which has been proven to help your body produce mood-regulating serotonin and dopamine. In general, it's a good idea to load up on veggies when your body is feeling overtaxed—it's a sure way to restore yourself to better overall health and vibrancy.
Ahh, stress. It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle of work and life—especially if you have a big life event like, um, a wedding to plan! The first thing that tends to go when you're burning the candle at both ends is your eating habits. While junk and comfort foods may be totally appealing when you're on the run (or just wiped out at the end of a crazy day), excess sugar, carbs and dairy are not going to help the situation. In fact, processed foods that are loaded down with tons of salt and calories might feel good in the moment, but will actually make your blood sugar spike (which means an eventual crash) and make anxieties rise —definitely not what you need when wedding planning.
Instead, reach for some superfoods. They don't have to be rare Amazonian berries or hard-to-find Ayurvedic remedies (although those won't hurt either!). So many great stress-reducing foods just can be found in the aisles of your grocery store, and they're super easy to prepare, or even to just pick up on the go. It's all about just looking out for some key ingredients, and keeping those processed foods (including caffeine) at a minimum. The result? More energy to tackle that to-do list.
Here are some great foods to grab to keep your energy up and your stress levels down when you're wedding planning.
Salmon
Blueberries
Avocado
Leafy Greens
Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale are filled with vitamins and minerals, including folate, which has been proven to help your body produce mood-regulating serotonin and dopamine. In general, it's a good idea to load up on veggies when your body is feeling overtaxed—it's a sure way to restore yourself to better overall health and vibrancy.
Turkey
Tryptophan is an amino acid that your body converts into serotonin (the best mood-lifter ever!). In addition to being a lean protein, turkey is one of the best sources of this natural wonder drug.
Chocolate has been proven to reduce stress and induce "feel good" responses that combat anxiety and depression. Go for a low sugar, high-cocoa percentage to reap the benefits, and steer clear of overly processed variety. This recipe combines dark chocolate with heart-healthy whole grains.
Dark Chocolate
See more at: Brides
