In a perfect world, we would all function according to our internal clocks. But, our fast paced world demands trick our body into being awake when it’s tired, and sleepy when it’s awake. For some, this requires incorporating caffeine and sugar during the day and sometimes alcohol and supplements at night. All this outside influence can wreak havoc on our body by causing stress and weight gain. Reduce these outside stressors, and avoid weight gain, with a few nutrition tips.

Eat Breakfast

Cut down on caffeine by eating breakfast. Yes, that’s right! Those who eat breakfast report a better mood and more energy throughout the day therefore less likely the need for caffeine during the day. Moreover, studies published in the journal Nutritional Health found that missing any meal during the day led to an overall greater feeling of fatigue by day's end.

Avoid Large Meals

Smaller and more frequent meals will help keep metabolism and energy up throughout the day. Eating one or two large meals per day requires a significant amount of energy focused on digestion of food, and less on other things. Energy levels often dip in the afternoon, so it’s a great time to add a small healthy snack to your routine like some fruit, a handful of nuts or a combination of both as found in trail mix.

Drink More Fluids

Dehydration is often confused as fatigue. Dehydration reduces blood flow to your organs, leaving you feeling sluggish. Abide by the general fluid recommendation of drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of liquids such as water each day, and more if your urine is on the darker yellow side.

Enjoy a Cup of Tea (or Warm Milk)

Enjoy a cup of herbal tea in the evening. Herbal teas, such as chamomile, passionflower tea and valerian, have a sedative effect and lead to a good night’s sleep. If tea isn’t your thing, then enjoy a cup of warm milk before bed. Sound like an old wives’ tale rather than sound nutrition advice? Well, science now shows us that our mothers were right; drinking warm milk will indeed help you sleep better. Dairy products are rich in the amino acid tryptophan, which helps in the production of the sleep inducing brain chemicals, serotonin and melatonin. Additionally, dairy products are high in calcium and magnesium. These nutrients work together to calm the body and help relax muscles as well.

With these four nutrition tips you are apt to relieve stress through your diet and in turn, lessen weight gain often associated with stress.

Not only are Seattle Sutton Health Eating meal plans a great way to lose weight, they are also very effective way to reduce stress through your diet. Start living a healthier lifestyle and order your meal plan today!