[Everyone experiences stress. Some stress is good for us, in fact, for me it can be downright motivating. That is, until it gets out of control and I lose it and then dive headlong into a bag of chipsHere are some of the signs that you might be stressed:IRRITABILITY, SWEATY PALMS, BODY ODOR, HEADACHE, OUT OF CONTROL APPETITE, FOOD CRAVINGS, DIFFICULTY SLEEPING, BAD POSTURE, CHRONIC FATIGUE, RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS, MOOD SWINGS

Don’t these sound terrible? I think if we exhibit more than two or three of these signs, our friends and co-workers will avoid us!

In addition to STRESS EATING, recent studies have found that people under stress had a 16% greater risk of getting a viral infection and a 20% increased risk for the common cold than those not under stress.

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1. GREEK YOGURT

Two of the key points in stress management: make sure your diet contains enough protein and probiotics. My new favorite Greek Yogurt, Tillamook-Farm Style, crosses both of those points off my stress management list.

The protein helps to keep me full so I avoid the aforementioned bag of chips. And, plain (avoid sweetened yogurts) Greek yogurt can be a terrific source of probiotics. Recent studies have found that probiotics, also called ‘good’ or ‘helpful’ bacteria can help to keep your gut and digestive system healthy. A healthy gut leads to a healthier immune system.

Don’t like store bought Greek Yogurt? Wiz in the kitchen? Try this Euro Cuisine Greek Yogurt Maker!

A recent study done on children discovered that children’s stress levels fall within minutes of seeing green spaces. What a blessing it is to me to be able to exercise outside and see a bald eagle flying over the lake looking for his dinner. It was a bit of a stressful work day but I’m good now

2. NATURAL CALM BY NATURAL VITALITY

They call this the anti-stress drink. Personally, I’ve been a fan of this drink since I discovered it three years ago. Research shows that most of us are deficient in magnesium. For example, here are some good sources of magnesium: pumpkin seeds, spinach, kelp and Swiss chard. I don’t know about you, but when I get stressed the last thing I’m craving is a kelp salad.

I was surprised when I read the research about some of the possible symptoms of magnesium deficiency: headaches, muscle cramps and sleeplessness. When I think about my health when I’m under stress I can claim just about all of those symptoms!

When I’m really under a lot of work stress or I’m traveling and eating fewer green veggies that’s usually when I supplement with magnesium. It’s always my suggestion to try food first and then supplement if that’s not working. Key point: Keep in mind that this is a supplement and it’s prudent to check with your physician before trying ANY supplement. As with most supplements, there will be some people with health conditions that shouldn’t utilize magnesium-so discuss with your health care professional.

Try this amazing drink at a discount!

RECIPE BONUS!! The One Minute Wellness Coach’s Quinoa Protein Breakfast Bowl!

Cook up 3 cups of quinoa, using water instead of chicken broth and store in your refrigerator for use throughout the week.
Fruit compote: add 2 cups of berries to a small sauce pan on medium heat. Add in ¾ cup of water and heat & stir until desired consistency. Store in refrigerator for use throughout the week.
Sauté’ 1 cup of raw pumpkin seeds (Trader Joes) in 1 Tbs. of coconut oil in a sauté pan on medium. When the seeds get hot, they might “pop” out of the pan so if they do, take cover, ha-ha. I like my seeds to turn a little brown, so probably about 3–4 minutes on medium heat. Make sure you stir so they don’t get too toasted.
In a small sauce pan, add 1 cup of the cooked quinoa and heat on medium heat. Add a little water if it’s too thick.
Add the quinoa to a breakfast bowl, pour ½ cup of the compote over the quinoa and sprinkle with ¼ cup of the pumpkin seed mixture. Drizzle with a little bit of honey and enjoy!