Diet
Did you know that what you eat could affect your mood? A balanced diet contains lots of stressbusting nutrients as well as keeping you healthy. Meet the 'fantastic four' stressbusting nutrients:
- Zinc - Lean meat, whole wheat, eggs, yoghurt and popcorn!
- Magnesium - Green leafy vegetables, grapefruit, figs, sweetcorn and seeds
- Vitamin C - All fruit and veg, especially citrus fruit
- B Vitamins - All wholegrains, yeast extract (e.g. Marmite), yoghurt and dates
Did you know that liquorice contains lots of stressbusting nutrients? Try not to skip meals - missing meals causes your blood sugar to crash, leading to fatigue and more chance of feeling stressed. Some foods reduce your ability to cope with stress - the 'baddies' are:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine (in coffee, tea, coke, some 'energy' drinks)
- Refined sugar
You don't need to give these up completely - just cut down when you feel stressed.
Smoothie Recipes
(from www.5aday.nhs.uk/Recipes/SimpleSmoothies.aspx)
Making smoothies is easy. All you need is a blender, liquidiser, a food processor or a hand blender. Next you get your fruit. Fresh is good, but tinned works just as well. The best thing about smoothies is that there's no right or wrong way - you make them to suit your taste.
Strawberry slush
Get some strawberries, one ripe banana, and blend into a paste. Add the juice of one orange and some ice. Pour into glasses and serve.
Pink banana
Take one large banana, one handful of strawberries or raspberries - they can be fresh, frozen or tinned. Add a large glass of apple juice and whizz in a blender.
Krushed Kiwi
Take one kiwi peeled and sliced. Add one cup of frozen red raspberries, two cups of frozen blackberries, half a glass of apple juice and one banana and blend all together.