Stress Week: What's Behind YOUR Refrigerator Door?

This week we have talked about what stresses us out, how we relieve stress, and how exercise is as equally good for our brain as it is for our heart. 

For me, changing my lifestyle has ALWAYS started with exercise.     It is easier for me to sweat for an hour than to pass up luscious food. It wasn't until I started reading up on how what we eat also has an effect on how we handle stress, I realized I needed to eat healthier if I wanted to be more emotionally healthy. 

We have all done it. Our calendar gets busy and instead of planning healthy meals we swing by the drive-through. We think that the convenience of unhealthy food will cut down on our stress, but in the long run it does the exact opposite. How?

Did you know that whole wheat carbs release serotonin (one of the "feel good" chemicals in your brain)?

Did you know foods that are high in potassium (bananas and avocados) helps keep your blood pressure low?

The best info is that dark chocolate helps lower stress hormones! 

For more information about how healthy foods help stress visit here, here and here. 

Bottom Line~ 

Avoid: too much caffeine, alcohol, sugar, fat and salt. 

(no new news there)

Eat these instead: whole wheat pretzels, carrots, nuts, dark leafy greens, yogurt, milk, salmon, beef, cottage cheese, blueberries. 

Keepin' It Real

The proof is in the puddin' (low fat of course).

My thirties were a stressful decade. For ten years I consistently exercised...but for ten years I was consistently overweight!

 Join me in this stroll through a whole decade of high cortisol!

~2003~

That is me on the left, with my best friend and sister.
This is the chocolate cafe at Harrod's in London!
What was I thinking with that short hair?

~2008~ 

The kiddos and I in Tokyo.
Still working out and still chubby, but my hair looks better!

 ~2013~

Just last week, here in Beijing,
after I have learned how to manage stress and weight with food.

I don't know about you, but I think I look better at 40 than I did at 30! I know I am healthier and I feel better!

Challenge: Try eating some of the foods listed above, stick with it, and see if you see a difference in how you handle stress.