Stress is something many of us struggle with. Some degree of stress is manageable, and even helpful to motivate us, but when stress becomes chronic it can take a toll on your mood and your health. There are many lifestyle changes that you might consider to reduce stress and nutrition is an important one that is sometimes overlooked.
 
Working with clients, I help them to shift their diet toward more health giving and less stress producing foods like avoiding sugar, flour and industrial seed oils like canola and soybean oil. You can get a copy of my Optimal You Nutrition Plan, by signing up for my newsletter on my website to see what types of foods I suggest for most people.
 
In the meantime, if you’re looking for some ways to reduce the impact that stress has on your system then you could consider some of my favorite options:
 
B Complex Vitamins
B vitamins are beneficial for mood, energy and mental sharpness. When we are stressed we may need more to keep us feeling good. This is my favorite formula from nutraMetrix as it contains activated forms that the body can use easily and the isotonic formula makes it very bioavailable. nutraMetrix Isotonix Activated B Complex
 
Adaptogens
These are natural substances that work with your body to help you adapt and normalize your body’s response to stress. There are many different adaptogens. Bliss is a formula containing a variety that I like to use when I know I will be under more stress than is typical. Take care if you are using an anti-depressant.
 
Essential Oils
Another way to deliver natural plant compounds to the body is through Essential Oils. Like many adaptogens, these have been utilized for centuries for their healing properties. I love these three oil blends for stress: Serenity, Balance & Peace. They also just smell delicious. You can search for them at my Essential Oils Store.
 

I always tell people that I’m not a great cook but nevertheless I cook all the time. It's difficult to be healthy without some basic skills in the kitchen and beyond that, some understanding of how to put things together in a healthy way. Here are what I think are some of the most important benefits of learning this fundamental skill.
 
You’ll be more empowered
One of the reasons I was drawn to working with nutrition was the level of dis-empowerment I saw around cooking and food in the US. People are so used to things being ready to go and convenient that they lose the knowledge of how to put simple things together themselves and what real food is made from. If you want to be in charge of your own health then you have to have some knowledge and skills to clean up your diet.
 
You’ll make better choices
Healthy foods like vegetables are much more available and appealing when we choose them from a beautiful selection at the store or market. If you eat out a lot you are unlikely to see as many healthy foods offered. People who eat at home more, eat less sugar and processed carbohydrates and fewer calories.
 
You know what’s in the food
When you cook at home, you are in control. When you eat out, you’re not always sure how the food is sourced or prepared. Did the chef add sugar or use a highly processed oil to cook with? Was the chicken organic or natural or am I consuming hormones and antibiotics? At home, I can use coconut oil and eliminate unnecessary sugar from recipes. I have control of the quality of the ingredients I cook with. As I work to help people understand how to upgrade their food quality they will only reap the full health benefit from that if they cook at home.
 
You’ll save money
If you are someone that balks at the cost of buying organic produce or 100% grass fed beef then you may think that being healthier is expensive but add up what it costs you to eat out and you’ll realize that it would definitely be cheaper to prepare meals yourself.
 
It is an act of self-care
When you prepare meals at home, whether just for yourself or for a family, it is a more mindful experience than simply opening a pre-prepared meal and shoveling it down in front of the TV. The time taken encourages us to enjoy each mouthful and appreciate the meal. The process of digestion actually begins when you start thinking about the meal and preparing it. Your body produces saliva and digestive juices in readiness. You get more benefit from the meal because you are able to better digest it and absorb the nutrients.
 
 
You might even have fun!
Cooking can be enjoyable. If you buy good food and take the time, it tastes great!  You can also share the process and the food with family and friends. I always tell my clients to have fun with it when they are trying out new foods and branching out. Getting healthy should never be about deprivation!
 
Because it is so important to me to empower my clients, we now offer cooking classes through Ways to Optimize. Our Chef Dee Iraca provides some cooking courses that she tailors to you! She is a culinary nutritionist so focuses on what is tasty and healthy. We also combine her cooking classes with our nutrition offerings to fine tune things for you even more. 
 
Enjoy your holidays!