I often preach the benefits of yoga and exercise in helping us to alleviate anxiety and stress. Sometimes a good sweat session and stretch on the mat can clear the mind and rid the body of tension. But what's not often mentioned is the power of our diets. I've touched on it before, but I wanted to drill home the point that diet does play a major contributing factor in how we feel. And it definitely plays a role in how we feel when we are dealing with anxiety. Here's a few important tips to consider the next time you pull up a chair at the kitchen table:
1. Transition to a more plant-friendly diet
Eating a more plant-based diet creates more harmony inside your body. It decreases inflammation and helps ward off illnesses, aches and pains that may cause us to stress about our health. With our bodies performing at optimal health, we can alleviate stress.
2. Eat hormone-free food
if you do choose to keep meat and dairy in your diet, try to choose hormone free. Excess hormones that you consume from meat and dairy can create a hormonal imbalance within you and affect mental health.
3. Ditch the caffeine, sugar and other stimulants
Caffeine and sugar can sometimes cause anxious symptoms similar to those we feel when dealing with panic. The jitters, racing heart and excess energy cause us to feel like we're having a panic attack even when we're not. Swap out the coffee for herbal tea and get your sweet fix with some fresh fruit.
4. Take your vitamins
Add supplements to your diet and eat a variety of leafy greens. Vitamin deficiencies cause stress, anxiety and depression. Take a walk and enjoy some vitamin D courtesy of the sun and make sure to take include niacin your diet (a B vitamin that helps combat depression). I also like to add Maca powder, an adaptogen, to my smoothies to help keep me calm, cool and collected!
5. Eat foods that support your body functions and organs
Try things like coconut oil, nuts and sea vegetables to maintain thyroid health. Thyroid conditions have been linked to anxiety, as well as depression. Try blueberries and salmon to keep a healthy heart and make sure to stay hydrated and keep your blood sugar in check to avoid feeling dizzy or lightheaded, which also sometimes mimics anxious symptoms.
Here's to your health!
xo b
1. Transition to a more plant-friendly diet
Eating a more plant-based diet creates more harmony inside your body. It decreases inflammation and helps ward off illnesses, aches and pains that may cause us to stress about our health. With our bodies performing at optimal health, we can alleviate stress.
2. Eat hormone-free food
if you do choose to keep meat and dairy in your diet, try to choose hormone free. Excess hormones that you consume from meat and dairy can create a hormonal imbalance within you and affect mental health.
3. Ditch the caffeine, sugar and other stimulants
Caffeine and sugar can sometimes cause anxious symptoms similar to those we feel when dealing with panic. The jitters, racing heart and excess energy cause us to feel like we're having a panic attack even when we're not. Swap out the coffee for herbal tea and get your sweet fix with some fresh fruit.
4. Take your vitamins
Add supplements to your diet and eat a variety of leafy greens. Vitamin deficiencies cause stress, anxiety and depression. Take a walk and enjoy some vitamin D courtesy of the sun and make sure to take include niacin your diet (a B vitamin that helps combat depression). I also like to add Maca powder, an adaptogen, to my smoothies to help keep me calm, cool and collected!
5. Eat foods that support your body functions and organs
Try things like coconut oil, nuts and sea vegetables to maintain thyroid health. Thyroid conditions have been linked to anxiety, as well as depression. Try blueberries and salmon to keep a healthy heart and make sure to stay hydrated and keep your blood sugar in check to avoid feeling dizzy or lightheaded, which also sometimes mimics anxious symptoms.
Here's to your health!
xo b
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