Food to help you keep positive
When self-isolating oven food or a takeaway (if they are still delivering) may seem like the only thing that can make you feel better, but in fact, it will only make you feel worse.
Trust us.
At times like this, it is important to keep your stress levels down and try to maintain a positive mindset.
Not only is eating healthier proven to bust stress but it also makes for a healthy body and mind. Cooking can help to relax and take your mind off these uncertain times, and you never know, you could surprise yourself with your cooking skills!
1. Leafy greens
It’s tempting to go straight for a cheeseburger when you’re feeling low and you just want some comfort food, but instead, go green. Leafy greens like spinach contain folate, which produces a pleasure-inducing chemical, dopamine, which helps you keep calm.
2. Turkey
Perfect for boosting your mood, turkey contains an amino acid that releases the chemical serotonin, giving us a sense of calm and even tiredness. It’s leaner than chicken and usually cheaper too so a win-win situation!
3. Oatmeal
If carbs are something you just can’t live without, instead of reaching for a doughnut, try a more complex carb like oatmeal. It may sound boring but you can add in your favourite spices and fruit to make it much more interesting and tasty. Check out some of the best oatmeal recipes.
4. Salmon
It might not smell great but salmon is rich in omega-3 and you can eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s known to help keep your adrenaline from flaring when you’re feeling tense.
5. Dark chocolate
If you are a chocoholic, then this one’s for you. Dark chocolate can reduce your stress hormones and contains unique natural substances that create a sense of euphoria, similar to the feeling of being in love, so no wonder we love chocolate so much!
6. Blueberries
They may only be small but don’t be fooled – they pack a serious punch of antioxidants and Vitamin C to help with feelings of stress. You can always put them in a smoothie (with banana and yoghurt) to help you get your fix.
7. Milk
Milk is a great source of vitamin D, a nutrient that can boost happiness. It also contains protein lactium and potassium, which helps relax the body and muscles by lowering your blood pressure. Having a glass of milk before bed will definitely help you sleep like a baby.
8. Avocado
These are packed with Vitamin B, which gives you healthy nerve and brain cells to help stamp out feelings of anxiety. Perfect for times like this.
Good to see leafy greens, oatmeal and blueberries. Fill up on grains, pulses, vegetables and beans for longer term positive eating!
Animal derived products including dairy and white meat are not only not necessary but not good for our health, or the environment. From my understanding plant-based whole food is the only diet that has been shown to be optimal, and it happens to be suitable for all stages of life 😀
I like chocolate as much as the next person but I’m pretty sure the high sugar content of dark chocolate is problematic over the long term. As an alternative I recommend the benefits of cocoa powder, which can be used in oat milk (naturally sweet) and even savoury cooking!
Indeed Haz. It’s important to practice what we preach in terms of sustainability, starting with our personal habits!