Take a bite out of holiday stress - Fitness & Exercise - stress, food, and emotions - Brief Article

American Fitness, Nov-Dec, 2002

Although joyous, the holiday season can also be stressful. What you may not know is that your food choices can lessen or magnify this stress. "Certain nutrients in food can affect our emotions," explains Jackie Keller, founder of NutriFit, Southern California's top healthy meal delivery program. "When we experience depression and anxiety, our bodies have physiological reactions--we are more likely to experience fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, elevated blood pressure and more."

Keller offers these tips to create "premium" fuel for stressful times:

* Eat a breakfast that includes protein and carbohydrates. Protein is thought-provoking "mind" food and carbohydrates provide fuel to the body. This combination will help you find a balance of mental acuity and energy.

* Eat several small meals throughout the day. This will help level your blood sugar and decrease your focus on food.

* Plan a nutrient-rich snack. Fuel your "low energy" period of the day.

* Stay well-hydrated. Our bodies are 70 percent water. Dehydration can exacerbate stress and cause fatigue.

* Avoid a severe, calorie-restricted diet. It will deplete your energy, depress you and diminish your enjoyment of the holidays.

"Planning food choices and being conscious of our bodies' needs during stressful times [are] key to beating the holiday blues," says Keller. "I often tell clients not to come to the holiday table famished. It will help them make better choices and, as a result, feel better about themselves."

For more information on NutriFit meals, products or educational programs call (310) 473-1989 or visit www.nutrifitonline.com.