Stress taxes the body's energy resources much harder than normal. When the body runs low on energy, it demands to be refueled with high energy (raw sugar) foods, which can be quickly converted to blood sugar (which the body uses for fuel).
This is why when we are chronically stressed, we crave raw sugar foods such as sugar, sweets, chocolate, and high calorie foods. In fact, having an increased craving for those foods is often an early indication of escalating anxiety and stress.
Given the pandemic world today, it is only natural that some of us might have times of increased stress or anxiety (“grief” is another word that I find fitting right now), and so our dietary choices might be less healthy. Not to mention that we are home ALL DAY…..stress or no stress, we are likely eating more!
One of the snacks that helps me with hunger and appeases any sugar cravings, is apple slices with almond butter.
✅ A single apple provides approximately 17% of your daily fiber requirement. Fiber plays a vital role in promoting healthy digestive and immune function. Apples are also known for being a rich source of plant compounds that play a role in reducing stress and inflammation in your body.
✅ Nut butters are a great way to add a complementary boost of protein and healthy fat to more carb-heavy foods, such as apples. Almond butter is also high in monounsaturated fats (reduces bad cholesterol and increases the good kind!). Almonds are also high in calcium, which is good for strong bones, normal blood clotting, and proper muscle and nerve function. They're also high in magnesium, which is essential for hundreds of different biochemical processes that take place in your body every day, such as regulating blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
👉🏻 Be sure to look for nut butters that do not contain added sugars or oils, as these additives can diminish the total nutritional value of the product.
😋 Enjoy this sweet and savory treat as a snack or as a way to refuel after a workout or run!