Food Fixes
food fixes, mood, metabolism boost, energy, brain food
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Cravings can be more than just an overwhelming desire to eat; they may, in fact, be your body's way of letting you know it's lacking something specific. Food may not be the answer to dealing with all of life's problems, but face it, it is, in fact, the coping drug of choice for many people. That's not necessarily a bad thing - if you make wise choices. Here are some common ailments, and foods that may act as remedies.
Feeling Stress? Eat This
1 Cup of Low-fat Yogurt or 2 Tbsp of Mixed Nuts
Scientists in Slovakia gave people 3 grams each of two amino acids—lysine and arginine—or a placebo and asked them to deliver a speech. Blood measurements of stress hormones revealed that the amino acid–fortified guys were half as anxious during and after the speech as those who took the placebo. Yogurt is one of the best food sources of lysine; nuts pack tons of arginine.
Feelling Sad? Don't reach for an antidepressant or an alcholic beverage...try eating this
Arugula or Spinach Salad
Leafy greens—arugula, chard, spinach—are rich sources of B vitamins, which are part of the assembly line that manufactures feel-good hormones such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, a lack of B6 can cause nervousness, irritability, and even depression.
Feeling Fat? Eat This (yep, eating may help - starving yourself is likely to lead to binging, making the problem worse)
Grilled Chicken Breast
The protein in lean meat and poultry fills you up and speeds metabolism, which cuts your cravings while easing off the pounds. High-protein diets also help to build muscle and attack extra belly fat.
Feeling Low on Energy? Try this
Eat ThisA Handful of Trail Mix
Raisins provide potassium, which your body uses to convert sugar into energy. Nuts stock your body with magnesium, which is important in metabolism, nerve function, and muscle function. (When magnesium levels are low, your body produces more lactic acid--the same a fatigue-inducing substance that you feel at the end of a long workout.)
In Spanish culture, the siesta is a midday nap that replenishes the body's energy and prepares it for an evening of hard work and hard partying. Sadly, explaining a 3 p.m. snooze in such terms to your boss probably won't go very far. Instead, use this arsenal of foods to power through the midday slump.
To Boost Brain Power - Eat These
Blueberries
Antioxidants in blueberries help protect the brain from free-radical damage, which could decrease your risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and improve cognitive processing. Wild blueberries, if you can find them, have even more brain-boosting antioxidants than the cultivated variety.
To Boost Your Metabolism - Try Drinking This
Catechins, the powerful antioxidants found in green tea, are known to increase metabolism. A study by Japanese researchers found that participants who consumed 690 milligrams of catechins from green tea daily had significantly lower body mass indexes and smaller waist measurements than those in a control group.
When You're Having Trouble Sleeping - What You Should/Should NOT Consume
Try Eating Nonfat Popcorn
Pop a bag half an hour before bedtime: The carbs will induce your body to create serotonin, a neurochemical that makes you feel relaxed. Skip the butter--fat will slow the process of boosting serotonin levels.
Skip That Glass of Warm Milk
Forget what your mom told you: This popular remedy for sleeplessness could be making matters worse. The protein in milk boosts alertness. Plus, unless it's skim, the fat in milk slows down digestion and makes sleep more fitful.
Nothing makes it harder to fall asleep than knowing how important it is to fall asleep. So when the pressure's on, try chowing on one of these snacks before bedtime to ensure some serious shut-eye.
Feelling a Little Under the Weather - Try This
Ginseng Tea, Hot or Iced
In a Canadian study, people who took 400 milligrams of ginseng a day had 25 percent fewer colds than those popping a placebo. Ginseng helps kill invading viruses by increasing the body's production of key immune cells.
Hung Over (not anyone on here, of course ; ) ) What to drink/What to AVOID
DO Try Orange Juice
For last call, order a double virgin screwdriver. Fructose, one of the sugars in orange juice, can speed the metabolism of alcohol by as much as 25 percent. Vitamin C also helps combat binge-related cell damage.
STAY AWAY from Whiskey and Diet Coke
Skip this classic and you may sidestep the hangover entirely. An Australian study found that mixing liquor with a diet drink nearly doubles your blood alcohol content. And darker-colored alcohols like whiskey, brandies, and red wine are more likely to cause a hangover than lighter-colored alcohols, like gin and vodka. This is because darker liquors contain more congeners--impurities that are the by-products of fermentation and aging--for your body to process.
When You Want to Get "In the Mood"
Try Eating Dark Chocolate (I love this one ; ) )
The cocoa in chocolate contains methylxanthines, stimulants that increase your body's sensitivity. Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine, a chemical that can give you a slight natural high. And Italian researchers found that women who often eat chocolate have a higher sex drive than those who don't. Make sure your chocolate has at least 60 percent cacao.
Don't Consume A Bottle of Wine
While a drink or two can increase arousal signals, but more actually depresses them. Split a bottle with your partner, but stop there.
When You Want to Look and Feel Younger - Eat These
Sunflower Seeds
These tiny wonders have the highest natural vitamin E content of any food around, and no antioxidant is better at fighting off the aging effects of free radicals. Other great sources of vitamin E include Swiss chard, Total Cereal and Propel Fitness Water.
When You Want to Get the Most From Your Workout - Eat This
PB & J or Pasta
The perfect post-weight training repast has about 400 calories, with 20 to 30 grams of protein (to build new muscle) and 50 to 65 grams of carbohydrates (to repair old muscle). Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or a small bowl of pasta with meat sauce fit that formula.
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on 5/30/2008
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