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7 Times When Food is the Answer

While stuffing your face with food can bring momentary satiation, you’ll find it can fill you with remorse later on. However, noshing on fortifying foods can lead to greater satisfaction with every bite you take.

If You’re Going Through a Funk?: Reach for a Sweet Potato.

When you feel the urge to snack, try to resist the temptation to reach for unhealthy snacks such as candy or chips. A baked sweet potato is a nutritious alternative to junk food and a great source of carbohydrates. The surge of serotonin experienced when you consume an orange potato can boost your mood with this natural feel-good chemical. Because sweet potatoes are also loaded with fiber, the carbs will enter into your system gradually. This keeps your energy stabilized instead of crashing like you would experience after binging on peanut butter cups.

You Find it Difficult to Sleep?: Snack on Hummus

Hummus is a delicious and nutritious Middle Eastern snack that will help you sleep soundly. Chickpeas contain an important amino acid called tryptophan. This melatonin-like substance will naturally increase your sleep inducing hormones, making it easy to fall asleep at night.

Achy Muscles: Drink a Glass of Tart Cherry Juice

If you pushed yourself to extreme levels at the gym, and you want to ensure that you’re able to work out tomorrow, ditch your protein shake for a glass of tart cherry juice. The anti-inflammatory anti-oxidants in tart cherries can help an individual recover quicker after a workout. The anthocyanins can also reduce muscle soreness before and after you exercise.

Feeling Lethargic and Sluggish?: Try Adding a Glass of Coconut Water

Limited energy and feelings of tiredness indicate a lack of water consumption. Without this important nutrient, your muscles and brain won’t be able to function properly. Instead of turning to your typical cup of Java, you can switch to a glass of coconut water instead. This nutritious pick-me-up is chalk full of electrolytes, calcium, potassium and magnesium to keep your fluids flowing throughout your body.

Stomach Rebellion?: Make Time for Peppermint Tea

A heavy meal or unsettled tummy can leave you feeling bloated and doubled over in pain. However, drinking a cup of peppermint tea can relieve the discomfort and pain associated with stomach issues such as indigestion or IBS.

Pounding Migraine?: Consume Spinach

When a pounding headache or migraine appears, most people seek relief by popping a pill. However, spinach contains riboflavin, magnesium and other essential nutrients that can combat the pain and discomfort associated with a migraine. Most ERs and hospitals use a magnesium supplement to alleviate the pain, but greenery such as spinach is definitely worth a try.

Low Blood Sugar?: Get Out the Dried Apricots

If you’re looking to increase the levels of blood sugar in your system, you should consume something sweet. However, this shouldn’t send you scurrying for the nearest bowl of sugar. Apricots are a healthy and natural sweet source of sugar and a much better option for the body. Since they are also high in both fructose and glucose, dried apricots can also immediately spike your blood sugar levels. However, you don’t want to raise your blood sugar levels too high, so try to stick to three to five pieces.

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