Ways to Relieve Stress by Eating Healthy and Drinking Water!

We are ending this a BLOOMING month by focusing on ways to relieve stress by eating healthy and drinking water.

Here are two tips to control stress with food:

1. Healthy Diet. A balanced diet can support a healthy immune system and the repair of damaged cells. It provides the extra energy needed to cope with stressful events. Early research suggests that certain foods like polyunsaturated fats including omega-3 fats and vegetables may help to regulate cortisol levels. If you frequently rely on fast food because you are tired or too busy to prepare meals at home, consider meal planning, a practice that can help save time in the long run, ensure more balanced healthful meals, and prevent weight gain.
2. Mindful Eating. When we “stress-eat”, we eat quickly without noticing what or how much we’re eating, which can lead to weight gain. Mindful eating practices counteract stress by encouraging deep breaths, making thoughtful food choices, focusing attention on the meal and improves digestion. Mindful eating can also help us realize when we are eating not because of physiological hunger but because of psychological turbulence, which may lead us to eat more as a coping mechanism.

The Benefits of Drinking Water:

Getting enough water every day is important for your health. Drinking water can prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, result in mood change, cause your body to overheat, and lead to constipation and kidney stones.

Water helps your body:

• Keep a normal temperature.
• Lubricate and cushion joints.
• Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.
• Get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.

Your body needs more water when you are:

• In hot climates.
• More physically active.
• Running a fever.
• Having diarrhea and vomiting.

Tips for drinking more water:

• Carry a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.
• Freeze some freezer safe water bottles. Take one with you for ice-cold water all day long.
• Choose water over sugary drinks.
• Opt for water when eating out. You’ll save money and reduce calories.
• Serve water during meals.
• Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water. This can help improve the taste.
• Make sure your kids are getting enough water too.
• Eat foods that are high in water.

Here are 10 foods high in water:

1. Cucumber
2. Tomatoes
3. Watercress
4. Apples
5. Celery
6. Lettuce
7. Watermelon
8. Peaches
9. Broth
10. Zucchini

Be sure to come back next week as we focus on our new topic of Savoring and Perseverance!!!