RIO Fitness Chicago® Exercise & Nutrition Blog

RIO Fitness Chicago® Tip:

Being stressed out is preventing you from losing body fat & helping you gain body fat by raising the levels of the body fat production hormone cortisol. These foods can help counteract the effects of stress/cortisol:

1) DARK CHOCOLATE are high in flavonoids, which are lauded for their relaxing properties (chamomile tea is another great source). DARK chocolate also contains phenethylamine, a chemical that enhances your mood. Look for bars that are 70 percent cacao or higher.

2) SKIM MILK can help women experience less stress-related PMS symptoms if they have four or more servings every day.

3) OATMEAL helps you produce serotonin, a calming hormone that helps fight anxiety's negative effects; which is why many of us crave carbs when we're stressed.

4) SALMON is abundant with omega-3 fatty acids that help reverse stress symptoms by boosting serotonin levels & suppressing the production of the anxiety hormones cortisol and adrenaline.

5) WALNUTS help to lower blood pressure. Have 1 1/2 oz per day of UNSALTED/NATURAL nuts.

6) SUNFLOWER SEEDS is a good source of folate, which helps your body produce a pleasure-inducing brain chemical called dopamine. Just like nuts have UNSALTED/NATURAL seeds.

7) SPINACH is rich in magnesium which improves your body's response to stress.

8) BLUEBERRIES are high in antioxidants which counterbalance cortisol.