Stress, we all experience stress, in comes into our lives in many different ways. Finding ways to fend it off or get through can have many different faces, what works for some may not work for others. Also, what is stressful for some people may not be for others because perceptions of events and conditions differ among individuals. This can be illustrated by what is called "stage-of-life-data". Example, most adults usually cite work, finances, and the economy as their top stressors, while teenagers are likely to select school, college acceptance and family money issues as theirs.
Stress causes a rise in cortisol levels, especially for those on a low calorie diet. Stress management techniques have been used to enhance dietary lifestyle changes and to improve health. Aside from the more major life stressors such as, marital status, a move, a death, a birth, job change...there are other common sources of stress. Overscheduled daily calendars, job stress and demands, lack of play or downtime, lack of time with family, friends and loved ones, inequity in home responsibilities, guilt, lack of time, lack of money, children's behavior, to name a few. Initiating a lifestyle change is one thing, but maintaining that change can be a major challenge. Feeding that stress is a temporary fix, feels good at the time but then you have the guilt or let down after. Not good for the brain or your body. That half a pan of brownies was so good in the mouth and going down, but what your body does with it isn't so good, or should I say what it does to your body.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you handle stressful situations so much better when they happen. Your cortisol levels will be easier to control in stressful situations, your brain can function better and more clearly, and your heart health will be much better in order to handle the bodies reaction to stress. Mindful eating or a similar approach, intuitive eating, has become increasingly popular as a method to use when feeling those craving or urges to feed your stress. It puts you in a state of being attentive to and aware of what is taking place in the present. Without awareness, we are more likely to behave compulsively and not in our best interest. Savor your body, and savor your mind.
Asian Salmon
2 lbs wild caught salmon
2 green onions
½ tsp sesame seeds
¼ cup honey
3 cloves minced garlic
2 tbsp coconut aminos
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tsp sriracha
Fresh ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a piece of foil with parchment paper. You can also place on the grill in the foil as well
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, Sriracha and pepper, to taste.
Place salmon onto the prepared baking sheet and fold up all 4 sides of the foil. Spoon the honey mixture over the salmon. Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon, covering completely and sealing the packet closed.
Place into oven and bake until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.* Open the packet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
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