AND tip of the day: National Stress Awareness Day

 

 

TIP OF THE DAY

 

April 16, 2013

National Stress Awareness Day

Today is National Stress Awareness Day and April is Stress Awareness Month to remind us that in difficult times, when people's stress levels increase, exercise and healthful eating become even more essential.
When we get stressed, some people tend to eat foods that are lower in nutritional value. If you know you are a stress eater keep your kitchen stocked with healthy snacks and consider researching healthier versions of your favorite comfort foods, like macaroni and cheese, chili, sloppy Joes and chocolate desserts.
Getting active is just as important as the food we eat in dealing with stress. Physical activity offers many rewards, from heart health to strong bones and stress relief. Regular, moderate activity helps your body control stress, lower blood pressure and control body weight as you burn calories. More vigorous exercise actually gives your heart muscle a workout, which ultimately helps your whole cardiovascular system work more efficiently.
To learn more about managing stress through diet and exercise, consult a registered dietitian nutritionist in your area and find healthier versions of some of your comfort food favorites on the Academy's KidsEatRight.org recipe page.

SOURCE: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics