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How to Combat Stress with Good Nutrition

Our stress levels and diet choices are often linked together by a difficult-to-break cycle. The more stressed we get, the more likely we are to make poor nutritional choices, and many of those poor choices may actually make us more stressed. Learn how to make nutritional choices that break the cycle.

4 Ways to Fight Stress with Good Nutrition

1. Eat breakfast. Eating breakfast helps stabilize your blood sugar levels, which means you'll be less likely to suffer from fatigue and hunger in the afternoon. The more energy you have, the more productive you'll be, and the less stress you should feel.
2. Quit the caffeine. Caffeine found in coffee and soft drinks may make you feel energized in the short-term, but it also increases your body's levels of cortisol, the "stress" hormone. If you find yourself constantly battling stress, try making the switch from coffee to green tea and from sodas to sparkling juices or water.
3. No caffeine after 2pm. If you can't give up caffeine completely, at least banish it from your afternoon and evenings. Caffeine stays in your system for about 4 to 6 hours after you've finished drinking it, which means late-day drinks can interfere with your sleep. Adequate sleep is vital for keeping stress levels down.
4. Always carry a healthy snack. Eating every few hours is a good way to maintain steady blood sugar levels. Carry a snack that combines protein with complex carbohydrates.