Dial Down the Stress This Holiday

Economic worries, job-related demands, family responsibilities, holiday expectations…operating in a constant state of “overdrive” can seriously undermine our health.

Stress prompts the adrenal glands to produce the hormone cortisol.  In small bursts, cortisol sparks the release of blood sugar, increases heart rate and circulation – all meant to energize you to respond to whatever is triggering anxiety.  Unfortunately, todays triggers rarely go away resulting in continuous cortisol production which leaves the adrenals exhausted and your body unable to cope with stress.

Your healing food formula…

A diet rich in these adrenal-supporting nutrients is key to restoring health and managing stress leaving you with increased energy, sunnier moods, sharper focus and a slimmer waistline!

Cocoa
Consuming 1.4 oz of dark chocolate daily spurs the release of endorphins, a feel-good neurotransmitter that inhibits the release of stress hormones.

Vitamin C
A daily 1000mg dose of this vitamin (found in sweet potatoes and spinach) can reduce cortisol levels by 30% in a week!

Calcium
This mineral calms sensory and motor nerves while activating enzymes that release stored energy into muscles helping the body bounce back from stress.

Omega-3s
Just 2 Tbls. of flaxseed daily provides 146% of the RDA of these fatty acids lowering levels of cortisol by 22%.

So this season as you dial down your stress our wish for you is that you excite your senses, boost your awareness, keep your energy flowing, stay well and above all, make your holiday magical!

Recipe of the Week: Mediterranean Tuna Steaks

Each week we be bring you new recipes for delicious, nutritious meals, which will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. This week's recipe:

Mediterranean Tuna Steaks
Makes 2 servings


Ingredients

• 2-6 oz. tuna steaks, about 1 inch thick
• 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 medium ripe tomato, diced fine
• 6 green olives, pitted and chopped
• 1 Tbsp scallions, chopped
• 2 tsp capers
• 1 clove garlic, mashed
• Pinch of dried whole oregano

Directions

1. Rinse the tuna steaks under cold water and pat dry.
2. Brush tuna steaks with 1 teaspoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Preheat grill or broiler.
4. Mix the remaining ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
5. Grill or broil the steaks on high heat, about 2-3 minutes per side or until desired doneness.
6. Top the tuna steaks with the tomato-olive mixture.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• 262 calories
• 9g total fat
• 1g saturated fat
• 76mg cholesterol
• 4g carbohydrate
• 40g protein
• 1g fiber
• 450mg sodium