Official Blog of WeddingShape.com

Introducing the new comfort foods

A couple weeks ago, you got a lesson focused on stress-busting. Consider this part two.

Do you turn to food when you’re feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone.

Comfort foods, like pizza, fries, and ice cream, got labeled as such because so many people use them to do just that: comfort.

It’s easy to rely on these sugar-filled and fatty foods when times get tough and wedding deadlines get closer and closer, but these treats are poor choices because they make you feel lethargic and less able to deal with drama.

Instead, try reaching for these seven stress-busting staples to curb your bingeing the next time you’re feeling the crunch of a deadline, dealing with a difficult person, or balancing your checkbook.

1. High-fiber, carb-rich foods like sweet potatoes, minestrone soup, or sautéed veggies over rice. All of these will cause your brain to produce more serotonin (the feel-good hormone), but won’t sap your energy like a mound of mashed potatoes. Plus, the fiber helps you feel full, so you’re less likely to overeat.

2. Fruits and veggies. Chronic stress can weaken your body’s ability to fight off disease. So, by upping your intake of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, you can boost your immune system. To get a broad spectrum of nutrients, follow the rainbow when choosing your picks.

3. Calcium. Getting your daily requirement of the mineral (1,000 to 1,300 milligrams, depending on your age) suppresses hormones that can cause stress symptoms. Try a cup of yogurt or nonfat milk.

4. Magnesium. Stress depletes magnesium levels and magnesium helps beat stress. So, include whole grains, beans, vegetables, nuts, and seeds in your diet daily to keep those levels on an even keel.

5. Omega-3 fatty acids. These are the “good fats” you’re probably familiar with – salmon, walnuts, olive oil… They help your nervous system function properly. An added bonus? You’ll enjoy other omega-3 benefits like shiny hair, strong nails, and radiant skin.

6. B vitamins. You can get your fill of these anti-stress substances in most daily vitamins. However, they’re also found in oatmeal, bananas, avocados, chicken, and dark green leafy veggies. B vitamins increase your body’s resistance to worry.

7. Tea. Recent reports claim drinking black tea can help you cope with your busy to-do lists. It brings sky-high cortisol levels (the stubborn stress hormone) back to normal. If you’d rather go the herbal route, however, chamomile, lemon balm, and valerian all contain anti-anxiety compounds. Make tea with any of them by steeping the herb (one teabag, three teaspoons fresh, or two teaspoons dried) in a covered cup of water. Strain after five minutes and drink one to three cups daily.

So, the next time you find yourself hankering for a few slices of pizza, a pint of ice cream, and some macaroni and cheese, reach for any one of these seven super foods and you won’t regret it in the morning.

For more information and to get started on your very own less-stressed, more svelte schedule, visit the WeddingShape site at www.weddingshape.com. We'll get you started on the road to a gorgeous wedding-day figure and give you the tips and techniques to keep you motivated for your best body ever!

Yours in health,

Joe

Joseph Arangio
Author, WeddingShape Diet and Fitness Guide for Brides
5925 Tilghman St.
Suite 200
Allentown, PA 18104
USA

P.S. Here’s a link to some real-life WeddingShape success stories: http://www.youtube.com/user/weddingshape.