Health

Women and Stress: 6 Foods That Calm Panic

Eat right to restore your sanity, reduce your panic and quell your stress -- you'll look better as a result

by Robin Immerman Gruen

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You likely know someone like her: The woman who gains weight during periods of high stress; or, the girl who loses inches when she's under pressure.

These women with stress -- either type -- eat (or rather, don't) to help them cope with emotional demons and cursers. It's a normal reaction to feeling anxious or panic -- typically called "stress eating."

But a better approach is out there -- and it's even easy to adopt. According to nutritionist Lara Field, MS, RD, CPS, LSN, when it comes to women and stress management, your goal is simple: Eat a balanced, healthy diet -- all the time -- to help you remain calm, even-keeled and balanced, regardless of what life throws at you. Because, when you're at ease, you look and feel better (from the inside out), there's no doubt about that.

See the six foods that calm panic.

That's why we've called in Field, who recommends following a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables that are filled with vitamins, fiber and phytochemicals (naturally occurring compounds that are found in plants which may affect health) 24 hours a day, seven days a week and even, gasp, 365 days a year.

In addition to the foods (and vitamins) that Field gushes over, she also suggests that we, as women, load up on flavonoids, like quercetin -- found in apples -- to reduce hay fever, asthma and even eczema; isoflavones, which are found in soy and can reduce cholesterol; and the antioxidant, rutin, which is found in red wine. "It's all about balance and moderation, which will always keep you on your toes, and putting your best face forward."

See the foods that calm panic -- now.

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Older comments

i like these ideas....

by jenni84 Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 05:02PM Report as inappropriate

chamomile tea is my go to

by LittleBunny Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 10:42AM Report as inappropriate

Green tea does work.

by andyv1217 Thursday, August 2, 2012 at 10:32AM Report as inappropriate

My mom told me to keep a jar of peanut butter handy and to eat a tablespoon when I feel anxiety brewing. It really works.

by xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 01:10AM Report as inappropriate

Field's favorite combo: Brown rice sushi that contains avocado, spinach and salmon. I am ready for this right now!

by alictasia Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 12:55PM Report as inappropriate

interesting article.

by lazorc Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 07:21PM Report as inappropriate

Now I know why I crave these things! Wow I'm on my way to a healthy and happier me and now I know why!Thank God I listen to my body!

by dail_mashek Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 06:59PM Report as inappropriate

I prefer either tea or coffee when I am stressed out. I just sit all alone. Don't feel like talking to anybody..

by shruti_sood Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 11:46PM Report as inappropriate

Awesome!

by queenphoto Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 10:58AM Report as inappropriate

yes to green tea! It is just so nice to sit back & de-stress with a cup of the stuff! (Also helps with weight loss too!) And avocado is a good tip, some good suggestions here, exams in 3 months time, must remember to start trying these out!

by RaraGiggles89 Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 05:59AM Report as inappropriate