Heading into the holiday season can leave you feeling stressed about everything from gift shopping to deadlines at work. The cold, dark weather doesnt help, either.
But while we cant control the temperature, we can control our diets. During this time of year, its important to look for food that helps to mitigate anxiety rather than exacerbate it, according to Kyle Buchanan, a wellness expert based in Toronto.
When figuring out what to avoid, alcohol is the first culprit, Buchanan told Carolyn MacKenzie and Jeff McArthur, hosts of Globals The Morning Show.
Short-term, it feels good, Buchanan explained. But if youre prone to anxiety, [alcohol] can make it a lot worse the next day.
Excessive alcohol also impacts your serotonin levels and negatively impacts your sleep, he said.
Greasy, fried foods like chicken nuggets, fries and chips should be monitored as well if youre feeling overwhelmed.
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You want to be kind to your body. If youre under a really stressful time, this isnt kind, he said, adding that inflammation from certain oils can cause stress to increase.
Dietitian Kate Comeau previously told Global News that when were stressed, we often reach for foods high in fat.
I rarely hear about someone who craves cucumbers when they are stressed, she said. Its usually cupcakes, muffins, candy and chocolate.
When dealing with office cravings, she recommends eating breakfast and drinking more water instead of sugary lattes as well as asking yourself if youre hungry before you eat something.
If the craving is coming from stress rather than hunger, food wont satisfy it, she said.
When figuring out which foods will help to relieve stress, pick out foods rich in vitamin C, like broccoli, berries and red peppers, Buchanan told The Morning Show. Food that contains omega-3 is also good, as it can help reduce inflammation in the brain.
If you eat a really high-inflammatory diet, youre more likely to experience stress, depression and anxiety, he said.
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Nutrition is important when it comes to mental health.
Healthy brain foods that can be incorporated into your diet other than fish include lentils, bananas and sweet potatoes.
These foods play a role in increasing serotonin in the brain, which is a chemical that is known to enhance mood, according to Andrea DAmbrosio, a dietician at Dietetic Directions.
But dont put pressure on yourself to drastically change your entire diet, dietitian Tristaca Curley said.
If youre feeling in a suboptimal mood, maybe just pick out two of these foods to try in a week because you may not have the energy to overhaul your diet all at once.
For more tips on sleep and stress management, watch Kyle Buchanans tips in the video above.
With files from Global News Dani-Elle Dub and Carmen Chai
2019 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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Skip the fries: Foods to avoid when youre stressed - Global News
