Are you running around at a million miles an hour, trying to juggle the kids, work, friends, partner, house and an ever increasing pile of washing? You may or may not realise it, but your body could be under stress.
For some people, it’s part of everyday life and they get on with it the best way they know how.
That could be propping yourself up with coffee or sweet snacks (which lead to the inevitable sugar slump); or perhaps you just feel a little bit of anxiety all the time and think that this is normal.
When you are stressed, your body responds with an increase in hormones like cortisol (known as the stress hormone funnily enough).
These hormones can have a knock on effect, elevating blood pressure or causing stomach upsets. It can also wear out your adrenal gland, making it even harder to deal with more stress if it comes along.
Obvious ways to reduce stress are to seek help with some of the chores (if possible), asking for help from your partner (if that’s available), not taking on too much (that means saying ‘no’ sometimes), or giving the children more responsibility (if they are old enough).
Apart from that, eating foods that support the adrenal gland function are especially beneficial for feeling a bit less stressed out. They help you to cope with the day to day stresses that will inevitably pop up in a busy mum’s day.
- Brown rice
This can actually help to release the feel good hormone serotonin. Eating brown rice can keep your energy levels up as it releases the energy slowly.
Try: Roast Vegetable and Brown Rice Salad
- Cabbage
A great source of the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E – which can fight the effects of the free radicals that are released in your body in response to stress. Cabbage is also a mood booster, so it’s definitely worth including some in your diet.
Try: Rainbow Coleslaw with Mustard Dressing
- Almonds
The magnesium in almonds is important for supporting the adrenal gland. They are also full of protein which will help to keep hunger at bay while you are busy running around.
Try: Healthy Almond and Apple Bircher Muesli
- Berries
When you are deficient in vitamin C you can feel run down and stressed anyway, so it’s important to eat foods like berries to keep your levels topped up. Remember to keep some frozen berries on hand for your Healthy Mummy Smoothies.
Try: Raspberry and Mango Salad
- Sesame seeds
These are a good food source of zinc, which the body requires when it is under stress. Sprinkle them in a salad or even in your smoothies.
Try: Make Your Own Dukkah
- Avocado
The minerals found in avocado (such as iron) regulate your body function and help it to repair. When your iron levels are low you can feel tired and sluggish which reduces your ability to cope with stress.
Try: Chicken, Coriander, Avocado and Lime Pasta
- Herbal Tea
Warm teas such as camomile, valerian or licorice are a great way to help the body to de-stress. Enjoy them after dinner or before your morning snack. You can even try adding them to your Healthy Mummy Smoothies instead of milk
Try: Hot Chocolate and Licorice Smoothie
And try this yummy immune boosting smoothie to help your body cope with stress better
It is full of goodness and bursting with flavour – plus is antioxdant rich – perfect for keeping your body feeling healthy and helping you to lose weight
- 1 x Kiwi Fruit
- 1 x tbsp of ginger – fresh
- 2 x handful of spinach
- 1 x lemon (just the juice)
- 2 x tbsp of Vanilla Healthy Mummy Smoothie
- 200ml of cooled green tea
Blend for 2-3 mins
Need to stock up on Healthy Mummy Smoothies? Then see our shop here
And join our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenges here