Anxiety to Zen
find me here!
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Workshops & Sessions
  • Blog
  • Contact Me

Ditching Stress Can Start at the Dinner Table 

3/12/2013

0 Comments

 
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 
 
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Author

    I'm a formerly anxious chick that found my zen on the mat. I used yoga, pranayama and yogic philosophies to alleviate my debilitating anxiety and get my life back on track. Now, I spend my time teaching yoga, coaching others and helping people find a more peaceful path in life. 

    * The opinions expressed on this blog are solely my own and what personally worked for me. Always consult a physician before starting any new yoga or workout routine. 

    Archives

    August 2016
    July 2016
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    January 2015
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013

    Categories

    All
    Acupuncture
    Anxiety To Zen
    Asana
    Diet
    Eft
    Gratitude
    Kundalini
    Mantra
    Meditation Monday
    Meditations
    Mindfulness
    Pranayama
    Releasing Fear
    Santosha
    Stress
    Stress Relief Techniques
    Workshops
    Yoga
    Yoga Faqs
    Yogic Philosophy

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.