Careful dietary planning is important, particularly in times of stress, in making sound food choices that will promote optimum health. Impulse eating often involves high-fat comfort foods that may be loaded with empty calories that offer little or no health benefits. In looking at anti-stress foods and anti-aging foods, it is not surprising that they are very similar to each other. Additionally, choosing a balanced diet, high in vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients, also encompasses many anti-stress and anti-aging foods.
Whole Wheat Products
Whole wheat bread and bagels, packed with Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, are a great source of fiber, and hearty protein that will stave off hunger, and calm even the most stress-filled days. According to ABC News, carbohydrates "enhance your brain's uptake of the amino acid tryptophan. Once it enters your brain, tryptophan converts into serotonin, which makes you feel calmer and more at ease." This carbohydrate boost reportedly lasts for about three hours, and is also chock-full of selenium, and Vitamin D, vital to any stress management plan.
Walnuts
Walnuts, high in potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium and copper, are a wonderful anti-aging food as they promote digestion, and the discomforts that go with irregularity. Also, walnuts are helpful in promoting immune system function. Easily eaten as a finger-food snack, chopped and sprinkled on yogurt, or tossed in salads, walnuts are a versatile food with many anti-aging and ant-stress benefits.
Eggs
Starting the day with a high-protein breakfast including eggs and whole wheat toast provides energy that lasts into late morning, just the right combination to ease stress right from the start. This food combination also helps quell hunger that may start as the morning goes on, and can also make a filling and healthful lunch, as well. According to "Arthritis Today," eggs are high in Omega fatty acids, protein, Vitamin D, good for osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, and selenium, used to treat cataracts, kidney disease, cancer, and cardio-vascular disease, this combination of foods keeps hunger at bay for hours while helping to treat conditions of stress and aging.
Soy Products
Soy products, especially soy nuts, are well-recognized for the ability to decrease the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, which generally occurs in middle age women around age 51. Soy products, high in isoflavones, are particularly credited with helping women with the most common, uncomfortable menopausal symptoms of night sweats, hot flashes and mood swings.
Avocados
Avocados contain Vitamin E, and are helpful in preventing skin from aging. Used both as a food, and as a relaxing food facial treatment, avocados offer much in the race to preserve youthful skin. Also high in Omega-3 fatty acids and potassium, avocados are helpful in preventing fluid retention and preventing high blood pressure.
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