When life’s pressures mount, the foods we eat can sooth our nerves and give us the stamina to deal with stress, or they can do the opposite—depending on which foods we eat.
Sugary sweets, deep-fried foods, and foods with little nourishment, are tempting but in the end can leave you feeling empty, agitated, or bloated. Instead, go for snacks that will help you stay focused, energized, and feeling good.
Here are a few options.
Bananas
Nature puts so much goodness into bananas. Fiber to give you a satisfied feeling and help with digestion, potassium to lower blood pressure, and dopamine the neurotransmitter that helps keep you feeling your best. Easy to take with you, bananas even come in their own perfect wrapper!
Nuts
Nuts also make you feel satiated and grounded because they’re rich in protein, fiber, and the kind of fats that are healthy for your body. Here are some examples:
- Walnuts are rich in antioxidants and a great source of vegetarian Omega-3
- Almonds are high in calcium for building strong bones and teeth
- Pistachios contain plenty of B-6 for helping balance hormones
- Brazil nuts contain selenium to support thyroid health
- Cashews are rich in minerals like iron to keep you strong
Apples
There’s something relaxing about knowing that what you put into your body will help you in the long run. We all know the old “an apple a day” saying, but there is some truth in that. Apples contain phytonutrients and antioxidants that may reduce risks of developing cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. They also contain soluble fibers that bind with fats in the intestine to help lower cholesterol.
Oats
Oats are a breakfast standard, but they also make a great treat anytime of day. They’re fiber-rich and filling, and they help stabilize blood sugar, helping sustain you through the afternoon when you may start to feel tired or jittery. You can garnish them with fruit and nuts, and enjoy them with your favorite milk. Oats also contain phytochemicals that help regulate digestion.
Golden Milk
This ancient Ayurvedic remedy helps promote restful and healthful sleep. Its golden color comes from turmeric, which is helpful for reducing inflammation in the body. Instead of eating a bedtime snack and using those restful hours for digestion, try drinking a cup of Golden Milk in the evening to calm your nerves and satisfy your hunger.
Quick Golden Milk Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk of choice (i.e. dairy, coconut, almond, pecan)
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- ½ tsp Cinnamon
- ½ tsp Cardamom
- ½-1 tsp raw honey or maple syrup (depending on how sweet you like it)
- Pinch of black pepper (optional)
- Tiny piece of fresh, peeled ginger root or ¼ tsp ginger powder
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth
- Pour into a medium-sized sauce pan
- Heat for 3-5 minutes on medium until hot but not boiling
