It's 3 p.m., and just looking at your to-do list makes you anxious. You're stressed, and ready to reach for a temporary solution like a diet cola or candy bar. To the rescue: Dr. Mehmet Oz, who featured health expert Dr. Mike Dow on his March 18 show. Author of "Diet Rehab: 28 Days to Finally Stop Craving the Foods That Make You Fat" (click here to get it now), Dr. Dow explained that when we're stressed and anxious, our levels of GABA (which helps halt those emotions) are low. Rather than take an addictive prescription medication, Dr. Dow suggests turning to a holistic way to boost your levels of GABA: Healthy foods.
By using a holistic natural solution, you can avoid the risk of addiction and side effects such as grogginess that can occur with anti-anxiety medications. You'll achieve peace while staying productive at work and at home. To boost your levels of stress-reducing GABA, try these tasty food swaps from Dr. Dow:
- Rather than an afternoon cup of coffee, try oolong tea, which contains GABA. My recommendation: Bigelow Chinese Oolong Tea (click here to order).
- Bypass the candy bar and go for cherry tomatoes with hummus. The tomatoes provide GABA, while the hummus' olive oil balances your omega-3 versus omega-6 ratio, says Dr. Dow. Or get both together with Wild Garden Single Serve Sundried Tomato Hummus Dip (click here for details). Or for homemade flavor, try Harmony Valley Classic Hummus mix and add your own olive oil.
- Skip soda and enjoy kefir, which is a probiotic beverage with GABA. You can make your own with Yogourmet Freeze Dried Kefir Starter (click here to buy now).
- And for a great dinner, try grilled shrimp and brown rice. Shrimp offers GABA while brown rice provides serotonin for that "get happy" glow! It's a fast, easy meal - especially if you take advantage of organic, microwavable Steamed Brown Rice Bowls (click here for details).
Comments