The Crucial Link Between Stress and Eating

As an important meeting or deadline looms, the pressure we’re under can have a surprising effect on the kinds and quantities of food we consume, which, in turn, causes us to feel energetic, or, on the other hand, even more drained than we actually are.

During times of increased stress, the human organism requires a greater amount of vitamins to keep performing at a high level, since external pressure can affect the rate at which your organs process what you eat. The vitamins you derive from fruit are especially useful when you’re feeling the pressure; if you don’t get enough of it, your ability to fight off disease may even be affected. This is why, for example, we’re more likely to catch colds when we’re under tremendous stress at work or in our personal lives.

While caffeine and sugar from chocolate, coffee, and energy drinks may seem to produce an energy high, that high is in any case fleeting, and when it passes, you’re left more depleted than you were in the first place, causing many to aggravate the situation further by reaching for the next coffee or candy bar. This can actually increase the symptoms of stress. So steer clear of those “quick fixes” you’re prone to reach for. They may actually exacerbate the problem.

Few people are aware that stressful situations actually cause the blood to become thicker, which is of special concern for anyone with a circulatory or cardiac condition, as it puts them at an even higher risk of a life-threatening incident. Garlic can be a life-saver for people in this category, since it has a blood-thinning effect. Ginger, too, can help in this regard.

When the boss is breathing down your neck, or when your children are driving you up the wall, get a handle on stress by consuming an even higher level of vitamins and minerals, not just the typical energy foods, like bread or pasta. What you need are plenty of greens, and fresh vegetables chock full of the nutrients your overtaxed body is gasping for. One useful tip is to pay attention to your palette when you’re at the salad bar. Choose a variety of bright colors to fill your place, from the oranges of carrots to the reds and yellows of peppers, to, of course, a wide range of greens. The more variety of colors, the more likely you are to cover all of your nutritional bases.

All this being said, you do need plenty of energy, so don’t forget your carbohydrates, from whole-grain breads, starches, and corn. A healthy, balanced diet is the key to striking the perfect balance between the pressure you’re under and the energy you have.