A healthy life is desired by all , a hectic life is quite common these days and so is stress.
A busy schedule usually can induce a lot of stress. As a matter of fact sitting idle or deviation from one’s normal life can also trigger stress or anxiety issues. While stressing we often tend to behave abnormally ,i.e, different from our usual behavior.This deeply impacts our food habits as well. A condition known as stress eating disorder could be troublesome as the patient suffering from it either overeat or refrain from eating ,both of which can have scathing effects on the body.
“Emotional eating is responding to feelings such as stress by eating high-carbohydrate, high-calorie foods with low nutritional value.”
“Eating disorders are a range of psychological conditions that cause unhealthy eating habits to develop. They might start with an obsession with food, body weight, or body shape.
In severe cases, eating disorders can cause deadly health issues and may even result in death if left untreated.”
Emotional eating, binge eating also are classified as eating disorders. Binge eating often is a product of stress and anxiety issues. People with this disorder tend to overeat, exceed their eating capacity. The final outcome of this is obesity and other pressing health issues.
Before we get into some healthy alternatives to satisfy our hunger pangs,we must know some basic difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger so as to keep it in check
PHYSICAL HUNGER | EMOTIONAL HUNGER |
It develops gradually | It comes about suddenly |
A sensation of fullness comes after eating. | Binging on food usually doesn’t make you full. |
HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES TO REDUCE STRESS EATING –
1. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes are rich in magnesium and calcium.It is a nutrient- rich carb source .These minerals help in promoting relaxation,calmness and also regulate the heartbeat, which becomes quite necessary in the time of stress.There are plenty of options for inducing sweet potato in your meal .For example roasted sweet potatoes ,sweet potato salad,etc.
2. Parsley
Including freshly chopped parsley as a garnish to your meals ,or using it in generous amounts for your salad is a great choice.Parsley is a nutritious herb that’s packed with antioxidants which neutralize unstable molecules known as free radicals and protect against stress.
3. Garlic
Garlic is enriched with numerous antioxidants which eventually make it a very good stress reducer .Garlic powder and raw,uncooked garlic are very potent sources of antioxidants . Garlic can also be consumed as a garnish ,as garlic soup which is not only healthy but also very tasty.
4. Blueberries
Blueberries and different berries like strawberries, raspberries and blackberries supply a healthy amount of antioxidants and vitamin C which assist in reducing stress to an excellent level.Blueberry smoothies ,shakes or even fresh blueberries are great options to ease yourself after a day full of stress.
5. Green tea
“A study by Atsushi Hozawa consisting of Japanese individuals found that approximately 6.6% were victims of psychological stress. However, this number was significantly lower among green tea drinkers, suggesting that green tea can actually improve one’s psychological health”
Green tea is also an excellent source of antioxidants.It also carries more nutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals than black tea.Thus replacing it with your usual morning tea could help you have a great stress free day !
6. Broccoli
Green and cruciferous broccoli is known for its health benefits. It contains including magnesium, vitamin C, and sulphate — that have been proven to combat depressive symptoms.Broccoli can be boiled, sauted or used as a key ingredient in salads ,there are plenty of recipes to work with.
These are few food options one could easily avail ,having a healthy food habit and reducing the consumption of junk and oily food can create positive changes in a persons life . Its truly said –
” Health is wealth”