Yes, keto foods can be used to help combat stress! But before we get into that, let’s discuss how Keto can cause and reduce stress in your body over time.
Let’s be honest: beginning or sticking to a strict change in diet is tough, no matter how good it is for you. Change is hard, food is used as a way to de-stress, and finding comfort in patterns we have had our entire lives is totally… normal. So naturally, changing what we have traditionally used to cope with and manage stress or feelings of discomfort is challenging!
The gut-brain connection means that the stress of changing your diet can cause weight gain, and weight gain can cause strain on your body and mind.
So, what can you do about this?
The answer is somewhere in between learning to love and care for your body and using food for fuel. Our bodies are keeping us alive. Maybe a chronic illness has made you lean towards a Keto lifestyle? It may be the desire to be smaller. It may make more sense to you and your lifestyle that you have committed to this change.
Whatever the reason, you have chosen to take better care of yourself, including learning to experience less stress. The truth is food is fuel. That’s it. Our bodies need this fuel to work, and a Keto lifestyle is the best way to fuel your body to function at its best.
So, how can we make this change less stressful? By choosing foods we enjoy and are the best fuel for us.
Here is a list I came up with of 5 Keto foods that are fun, delicious, and can help us de-stress!
- Wild Salmon. The Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon are known to reduce depression mood swings and can improve cognitive function. Plus, there are more delicious Keto Salmon recipes than I can count! Check out my Facebook group for free recipes!
- Dark green vegetables. From beautiful salads to sauteed bok choy, dark green leafy vegetables make great IG posts because they are photogenic and full of magnesium! Who is happier with a photo-ready and delicious plate of salad or greens?
- Berries. Only a few fruits are included in a Keto diet. Still, carefully controlled portions will allow you to enjoy berries in all of their glory! The antioxidants reduce inflammation, which then reduces those pesky stress hormones!
- Chicken breast and turkey. Poultry has tryptophan. This amino acid is perfect for elevating your mood by improving your sleep! Good quality sleep is exactly what the doctor ordered.
- Grass-fed beef. Have you ever heard that a happy cow will give us the best quality meat? True; good quality beef is high in zinc, iron, and B vitamins. These are all required to help us stabilize our mood.
You have already committed to reduce or combat your stress with a Keto diet. You’ve decided to remove the blood sugar and inflammation roller coaster. You are taking significant steps towards lowering your own stress hormones, like cortisol!
The Keto journey is just that, a journey.
And hopefully, it is one where you will find the balance between combatting stress with Keto foods and self-care.
Amy XO
p.s. Make sure you’ve downloaded my Keto Guide to help YOU get started (or restart) on your Keto Journey
Thank you for always giving us good info and great advice!
Thank you for all that you and your team accomplish for us!
Thanks for reminding to eat salmon!! I am not a fish lover so I haven’t eaten it for awhile. But I have found sone great recipes in our group!!!
I love to hear this! I recently did a video with my husband on salmon and asparagus packs – so good (and easy!)
I love both
Thank you Amy for all you do to help us all
Thank you Amy, I couldn’t be on this journey without you. You’re such an inspiration and I admire your dedication to all of us. God bless.
Thank you so much for this info! I really enjoy eaing keto and love all the great recipes.
I have lost 23 pounds since starting this spring with 7 more to go to my goal!!!
I love this for you, friend!
Such important reminders about the connection between reducing stress through good eating! Thank you.
Eating keto has reduced my stress. Thank you for all you do and for this podcast.
Thanks for the inspiration. I need to be reminded sometimes.
Thank you Amy, appreciate all you do for us!!
Thank you for all your info’
This is great. Will pass on to my friends. Thank you Amy
Thank you Amy! This is good info and much appreciated.
Thank you got this information ❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you Amy for the information. Like always, great information ❤️
This is very helpful. Thanks Amy!
This is very helpful Amy. Hubby & I enjoy red meat and hoping to stretch our budget for grass-fed beef. I’m also focused on help for silent reflux that I deal with. It’s never too late for these changes but probably the earlier the better for the best health. We also look to our Lord for His knowledge, wisdom and healing. Many blessings to you Amy and family.