Calming Foods List. Zen...

Calming Foods List

To kick off the first installment of my "Foods for your Mood" mini-series, today celebrates calming foods and recipes. Throughout the day I'll be posting recipes that 'calm'.

"Nothing is so bitter that a calm mind cannot find comfort in it." -Seneca (5 BC - 65 AD)

Why Calm? We all get frazzled, nervous, anxious, stressed out and tense once in a while. Some more often than others. Stress can wreck havoc on your body. It can make your digestive system feel like it's competing in the gymnastics competition at the Olympics. Stress can cause poor digestion, nausea, lacking appetite, overeating or insomnia. One natural way to 'get calm' is to include a few calming foods in your diet. Ahead, find out just what a "calming" food is, see my list and get a few cool calming quotes...

What is a "Calming" Food? Great question. 'Calming' foods are easy to digest, contain calming nutrients that actually relax your nervous system or boost your mood in some way and/or are easy/pleasurable/calming to eat (think creamy and soft rather than crunchy and rigid).

BRAT Diet. Haven't heard of the BRAT diet? A little nutrition 101 for you:
"The BRAT diet consists of foods that are relatively bland and low in fiber. Low-fiber foods were recommended as it was thought that foods high in fiber cause gas and possibly worsen gastrointestinal upset. BRAT is the mnemonic acronym for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast, the staples of the diet. Extensions to the BRAT diet include BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, and Tea) and BRATTY (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, Tea and Yogurt)." -Wikipedia

What to Avoid. Avoid foods that contain simple carbohydrates like sugar (go for complex carbohydrates), high fat content or caffeine. Keep in mind that even healthy foods like fruits and veggies that are very high in fiber (like a giant chopped s....

- Source : http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com