6 Alternatives to Comfort Foods When You're Feeling Stressed

1. The next time you feel your heart racing and you feel tense,  grab a handful of almonds. I keep a supply of these in my car.

Almonds will help lower your blood pressure and keep oxygen flowing in your blood. They're packed with magnesium, which seems to help keep cortisol levels low, and they're full of B and E vitamins which help boost your immune system. About a 10 - 20 every day is all you need. Mixed seeds also provide concentrated nourishment. They're packed with B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, and protein, which help counter irritability, depression, and lack of energy. Sprinkle these on our salads, yoghurt's and mix in your stews.

2. When you're craving a high-fat creamy treat? Now is the time to reach for an avocado. 

The luxurious thick, rich texture of home made guacamole will satisfy your craving and at the same time the mono unsaturated fats and potassium in the avocado will help lower blood pressure. Half an avocado offers 487 milligrams of potassium -- more than you'll get from a medium-size banana.

3. Do you long to balance mood swings? Eat only complex carbohydrates (not refined). 

One saying I have is AVOID white to stay light. Carbohydrates make the brain produce more serotonin; the slower your body absorbs carbs, the more steadily serotonin flows. Thick, hearty oatmeal is the perfect breakfast food because it is high in fibre and takes longer for your stomach to digest. The delicious, nutty-flavour of whole grain brown rice has compounds to relieve stress and anxiety while simultaneously improving concentration. It's also a great source of B complex vitamins and fibre. Sweet potatoes can be particularly stress-reducing because they can satisfy the urge for carbohydrates and sweets. They're packed full of beta-carotene, B6 and other vitamins, and the fibre helps your body process the carbohydrates in a slow and steady manner. I have just added these to my turkey stew simmering in my slow cooker for dinner tonight, which I will serve with broccoli, leeks and wilted spinach.

4. When you feel your tension level starting to rise? Have some citrus fruit on hand.

Stress can delete your storage of vitamin C which is something your body doesn't produce naturally. Vitamin C helps reduce stress and return blood pressure and cortisol to normal levels after a stressful situation. Vitamin C is also well-known for boosting your immune system. Oranges and blueberries are also bursting with vitamin C, which is what your body uses as fuel when your heart is racing. They're crammed with tons of antioxidants which repair and protect your body from the effects of stress. Ooh and dried apricots one of my favourites I have loved these since I was a child. They are rich in magnesium, which is a stress-buster and a natural muscle relaxant as well. They're also very high on the list of foods that help to alkalise the body. An important property of blood is its degree of acidity or alkalinity. Most of the foods we eat are too acidic. And why not grab a banana for a fulfilling snack? They're full of potassium, a mineral that can help reduce tension.

5. Eat a several servings of fish at least twice a week. Sorry fish dislikers you may struggle with this one.

It is well documented diets high in omega-3 fatty acids protect against heart disease. A study from Diabetes & Metabolism found that omega-3's keep the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline from 

speaking. 

6. Dark green vegetables (like Kale and Spinach) 

These are chock full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help replenish our bodies in times of stress. I use the term EAT green to stay lean. I also take Chlorella, wheatgrass and Spirulina in a protein shake once a day to keep my blood cleansed and cholesterol reduced.  A deficiency in magnesium can cause migraine headaches and a feeling of fatigue. One cup of spinach provides 40% of your daily needs for magnesium.  

Broccoli has folic acid, which aids stress reduction. And one cup of fresh beets supplies over 30% of the folate needed daily.  Too little folate has been known to trigger mental fatigue, forgetfulness, confusion and insomnia. In addition, several common medications can deplete the body's supply of folate, including cholesterol-lowering drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, diabetes medications and birth control pills. Mushrooms are rich in selenium, which studies have linked a deficiency of to a higher risk of depression, anxiety and fatigue. And they're the only plant source of natural vitamin D, a key nutrient three out of four of us don't get enough of.

In the wise words of Hippocrates - “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. Take a moment to reflect on the foods you comfort yourself with and ask yourself are they killing or curing me? Is it time to take control of your stress and break the vicious cycle of comfort eating and break those cravings? Do you need to make some changes to your life in order to reduce your stress? You only have one life ENJOY it .