From the moment the alarm goes off in the morning, stress is part of the working day; the trick is learning to deal with it. Exercise can use up stress hormones, but food can also have a major impact in reducing symptoms such as raised pulse rate, higher blood pressure and tense muscles. Foods rich in vitamin B can help combat stress, and cooking itself can be very therapeutic, so vent your frustrations when you make the delicious vitamin B-rich risotto below.
VITAMIN B AND BARLEY
CUT BACK OR AVOID…
Caffeine – it produces an adrenalin affect. Your body thinks it is preparing for flight/fight while you think you are relaxing. Just two cups a day can cause nervousness, insomnia and headaches. Try to develop a taste for herbal teas – camomile will help relaxation while peppermint will aid digestion.
COOK NELL'S stress-BUSTING BARLEY AND MUSHROOM RISOTTO
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan, add two chopped onions and cook until soft. Add 200g pearl or pot barley, pinch of dried thyme and 500ml stock. Simmer until liquid is reduced, then add another 500ml of stock gradually until all is absorbed. You may need to add more liquid and cook until barley is al dente. Heat a knob of butter in a large frying pan and sauté 400g sliced mushrooms until tender. Add two cloves of immune-boosting chopped garlic and cook for a few more minutes. Stir into cooked barley mixture with a good handful of freshly chopped, vitamin C-rich parsley.
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