Holiday stress is pretty much inevitable. Here’s how eating the right foods and staying calm can keep you happy and healthy.
Find Carbs That Calm
Your brain is naturally drawn to comfort foods loaded with carbs. “Carbohydrates release a chemical in the brain called serotonin, which is the ‘ahh’ chemical that makes you feel better,” says Bonnie Taub-Dix, R.D.N., creator of betterthandieting.com and author of Read It Before You Eat It. Just choose your carbs wisely. Go for whole-grain carbs like whole-wheat toast with almond butter that will last longer in your system.
Chill Out to Burn More Calories
Women who experience one or more stressful events the day before a big meal burned 104 fewer calories than those who kept calm, despite consuming the same foods, according to a study from Ohio State University. They also had higher insulin levels, which causes fat storage.
