| • | B vitamins help your
body convert stored energy into blood glucose for instant fuel. When stress
levels are high, take a good multivitamin once a day.
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| • | Your body needs vitamin C
to handle the physical demands of the stress response. Try adding more
vitamin C-laden foods, such as oranges, strawberries, cantaloupe, broccoli,
cabbage, brussel sprouts and tomatoes, to your diet.
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| • | Blood levels of calcium and
magnesium drop during periods of stress. Increase the calcium in
your diet by drinking low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt. Magnesium is found in
lentils, wheat germ and spinach. Or you may benefit from a calcium
supplement that also contains magnesium.
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| • | Protein-rich foods
stimulate neurotransmitters in the brain to enhance alertness, energy and
concentration – everything you need to maximize your stress-coping
abilities. Protein-laden foods include: skinless chicken, most fish and
shellfish, all types of beans and peas, and dairy products, such as low-fat
yogurt, cottage cheese, hard cheese, milk, tofu and egg whites.
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| • | Diets high in carbohydrates
increase the levels of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a chemical that
produces a calming, relaxing effect. If stress is getting you down, treat
yourself to a high-carbohydrate meal – just do it in moderation, because
high carbs can also mean high calories! Foods loaded with carbohydrates
include: all fruits and vegetables, particularly bananas, avocados,
eggplants, pineapples, potatoes and tomatoes; all grain products, such as
bread, cereal, pasta and rice.
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| • | For more information on healthy
nutrition, visit Eat smart.
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