Stress can cause many people to react by going towards food for relief. And it’s natural because the brain’s demand for fuel increases when a stressor is perceived.

The brain cannot distinguish between real or imagined threats. Emotions kick in, and then the body reacts whenever one feels fear, alarm, tension — any perceived threat. The foods that people crave, though, are often full of empty calories like white flour, sugar and comfort foods and helps the brain to “fight or flee.”

• Stress causes depletion of vital nutrients in the body that needs to be replaced daily. The trick is to understand why the craving is happening and to turn to healthier choices that will fool the brain into thinking that it is getting what it wants — high-energy food.
• Fortunately, many of the best foods for fighting stress probably are in our refrigerator already. Here are some to reach for: » Continue reading “Some foods can help you respond better to stress”

One of the most stressful experiences an individual can undergo is being informed that he/she is no longer employed.

For those who’ve been through this, now is not the time to take a vacation. However, it’s good to take a ‘cooling off’ period to regroup and chart your plans for the ensuing job search. The immediate priority is to deal with the aftershock. Be careful about what you say or do or you may seriously damage your prospects for reemployment later on.

Things To Do Are: » Continue reading “Job Hunt: How to cope with the stress of unemployment”

For all those really big stress occasions – a wedding, for instance – what should you eat to ease the nerves?

Dieticians say one can have some yoghurt, or nibble on a banana or packet of mints. But, the key to alleviate stress is a good breakfast which includes carbohydrates with a low Glycemic Index (GI).

The perfect meal to alleviate stress is a good breakfast, preferably high in carbohydrates, but not neglecting the protein as well. Cornflakes, porridge or low GI breakfast cereals. Even if one wakes feeling nauseous with anxiety before a big event or stressful day, should always try to eat a good breakfast to get the serotonin flowing.

Both low GI and wheat-free foods- some suggestions » Continue reading “Stress busters: what to eat before a big day”