Nutrition’s Role in Stress Management
If you’ve been following Strong. Beautiful. Athlete. and reading my articles, you know that empowerment is the name of the game, and that SIMPLIFY is a core SBA Mantra & way of living. It is my objective to continually remind you that you have so much more control and power over how you feel in your body than you realize.
You CAN adopt tiny commitments & nearly mindless systems that will have massive impacts on your overall health, wellness, and nutrition, even in the midst of the hustle we tend to reside in.
Strong. Beautiful. Athlete.
Before diving in – I want to call to mind the Strong. Beautiful. Athlete. logo. Figure 8. Infinity symbol. S. (hi, my name is Savannah & I am the founder of Strong. Beautiful. Athlete. LOL). It fits. It represents balance, ease, ebb & flow, and the reminder that everything is tied together, and infinitely possible.
Let me show you how.
Stress management and time management are two primary reasons why people don’t stick with their health & wellness goals in the midst of their everyday lives, alongside feeling lost about where to start, or “how” to work it in efficiently. Yet, we all know that a healthy diet & physical activity are good for our health & can prevent disease.
Our high paced environments have not only made reaching for quick on the go processed foods and fast food options the cornerstone of our lifestyle, but they have also contributed to chronic stress levels, leaving much of our population feeling less than stellar in their bodies both mentally and physically. Sometimes balancing all dynamics of life can become overwhelming. Overwhelm plus stress can further lead us into a spiral of emotional eating or last minute snack grabs just to cope.
Pause: Let me say that there is NO shame in any of this. The goal here is to paint the picture of the environment that many of us are existing in, and talk about ways you can regain control over the stress and show it who’s boss. You get to win.
Plenty of research such as a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, demonstrates links between occupational burnout resulting from chronic on-the-job stress and emotional or uncontrolled eating, which have further links to reduced self-esteem, which is important for achieving success in healthy weight management. Not to mention – lowered self-confidence leads to lower productivity & mood in the workplace, which can further exacerbate this negative loop.
REMEMBER: It’s all connected.
Nutrition, hydration, physical activity, stress & stress management, time & time management, mental health, emotional health, and physical health.
Do you want to know the two main foundations that you have in your control to positively affect all of this?
Nutrition & Movement.
You personally control these two elements. 100% in your control. If you choose not to optimize these elements – then you are choosing to take on negative physiological symptoms that you can prevent. Harsh? Maybe. But I know you want better for yourself. So let’s talk about it.
Nutrition’s Bigger Role.
First – please remember that everything is a progression. We start every journey from where we are today, in this very moment. We don’t try to go from zero to 100. We go from here, and take ONE step. (Simplify.. One thing.. SBA mantras & foundations for life baby).
Nutrition isn’t just for our physical health or appearance. Nutrition is the foundation of our entire being. It directly impacts mental health, healthy immune function, and the cellular functions of our entire body.
Nutrition is a cornerstone of stress management. By incorporating nutrient rich foods in our diet, we allow ourselves enhanced resilience and vitality. Cultivating intentional eating practices, prioritizing hydration, & eating a balanced diet contribute to overall well-being.
The Connection Between Stress & Nutrition.
Quality nutrition helps our body regulate stress. Our body is trying to do it’s best to keep us alive and in homeostasis each and every day, and it responds by undergoing and releasing necessary chemicals when our bodies are exposed to stress to keep us in a regulated state. Nutrition gives our bodies the nutrients it needs to manage this stress.
Stress triggers a cascade of physiological responses in the body which impact mental & emotional well-being, as well as our nutritional needs. Have you ever been so stressed you couldn’t eat? That’s the body responding to stress which impacts appetite, metabolism, & food preferences.
As you are aware, stress levels are at all-time high within the fast paced environment we have been conditioned to. With time management and stress management being the two primary reasons why individuals do not stick with their health, wellness, & quality nutrition routines, I want to provide information & tactics on the role of nutrition in stress management and the control you have over it.
HOW you can take control.
It is well known that a balanced diet rich in whole, nutrient dense foods is fundamental in supporting overall health and well-being. These foods are not only essential for optimized physical health - they play a significant role in mental well-being as well.
What is a balanced diet? It usually includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, & proteins.
Fruits & vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, & antioxidants which help in combating oxidative stress.
Whole grains prompt the brain to make the feel good chemical serotonin, and provide a steady source of energy which regulate blood sugar levels. Eating these can reduce blood sugar spikes & crashes, which contribute to stress levels on the body as well.
Proteins are required for the production of neurotransmitters which play a role in mood regulation.
Foods high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, & excessive caffeine can exacerbate stress in the body. These foods can trigger inflammatory responses which can negative impact energy levels & mood, and increase stress & anxiety.
It is important to understand that dietary needs are personal & can vary among individuals. However, a balanced diet of whole foods can provide necessary nutrients that can directly support your body in managing stress, and maybe even reduce the stress levels you feel in your body today.
Water as a Foundation.
Hydration plays a critical role in stress management as well! Dehydration can exacerbate stress symptoms & impact cognitive function. Stay hydrated.
Conclusion.
Everything is connected. Your brain & body & nutrition are connected, which all impact how you feel in your body. Eating well can help manage stress & can create improved mental & physical health.
Knowing that everything is connected, and that the primary tactic to winning anything life is controlling the controllables – what one action can you take nutritionally today, to help yourself better manage stress?
Support.
If you want help with your nutrition goals & navigating change – I am so here to support you. Helping others thrive is my passion. Message me for support & let’s create a strategy that works best for you and your life.