Eating Well To Reduce Stress In Midlife

When you are worried about your finances, health or relationship you can feel overwhelmed and completely stressed out.  Your nutrition and health are often taken for granted.  We tend to eat poorly and grab quick, unhealthy foods when we are stressed or overwhelmed.  Not only is nutrition sacrificed, stress hormones release high amounts of insulin, resulting in stored fat and weight gain. 

Obviously, avoiding stress will solve this, but is not always possible in today’s world.  When we are overwhelmed, the best thing to do is to simplify as much as you can and to prioritize.  Health should be a top priority during stressful times. 

These tips and suggestions can help you simplify your nutrition by eating healthy, convenient foods.

•  Drinkable yogurt's meet nearly 20% of our protein requirements, are good sources of fiber and calcium, and are perfect snacks to grab on the go.

• Stock your purse, briefcase, backpack or car with bags of mixed nuts and dried fruit for a quick snack that is full of healthy, cholesterol-lowering fats, fiber, and iron, and also tastes great and has staying power.

• If you can, anticipate busy times and pre-cook healthy meals that you can portion into separate meals, refrigerate and reheat for a healthy dinner.

• Choose fast-food restaurants such as burrito places and fresh markets that offer healthier alternatives.  Avoid fried foods that are high in trans fats and choose baked or grilled options such as a grilled chicken sandwich and a side salad. \

• Avoid empty calories in candy, sodas, sweet teas and energy drinks.  Stock your workplace, kitchen and or your car with easy-to-eat foods listed below. 

Convenient, healthy foods are:

• Fruits that don’t need preparation such as apples, bananas, plums, peaches and grapes 

• Veggies such as baby carrots, edamame (baby soy beans), celery sticks, radishes, cherry or grape tomatoes and pre-packaged salads

• Drinkable and regular yogurt

• Trail mixes

• Nuts (almonds and walnuts pack the most health benefits)

• Low-fat microwave popcorn

• Nature’s Valley granola bars (avoid high-sugar “granola bars”)

• Dried fruit

• Instant oatmeal packets (just add hot water from your office’s coffee area)

• Pretzels with peanut butter already in them

• Water, water, water! 

To learn more about staying healthy in midlife go to www.healthylivingandbalance.com.

Comments

[Cathy Warren]

These are all great tips for eating healthy when on the go. I also find that nutrition suffers on really busy days. I try to keep easy 15 minute meals on hand with fresh fruits and veggies. Often frozen veggies come to the rescue, such as broccoli,cauliflower, brussel sprouts and green beans. They are all packed with vital nutrients and I saute them frozen in olive oil,add salt pepper, rosemary and thyme. Don't over cook them to retain their nutrients. We always have salad, instead of lettuce that perishes easy, I make tomato salad, grape tomatoes,cucumbers,red onion, a little feta cheese,mozzarella chunks,garlic salt,pepper,and basil mixed with Italian dressing or olive oil and vinegar. You can make this ahead of time to marinate in the fridge. Now all you need is some protein. Choose to have items on hand that cook quickly. But always try to have a healthy dinner no matter how busy.

Cathy Warren
www.Over60exchange.com