This weekend Nutritional Balance spoke at a conference held by the AECEO, Association of Early Childhood Educators. It was a great success on all angles. The camp itself had a great turnout; everyone had a great time and learned exciting new information. Nutritional Balance also had a successful day, speaking about Weight Management, Stress in the Work Place and Keeping Energy levels Up. It was also our first reveal of our Food Journals, which went over very well. Yay Us!
It ended up being clear that nutrition plays a huge role in maintaining a well functioning workplace, especially with Early Childhood Educators. ECE’s main focus is care for children, which as we all know can be an exhausting job. Just taking care of one or two can be a challenge. Physically, mentally and emotionally these children can work you. Not to mention children are like sponges, they take in everything and anything and this is a big responsibility. You have to be on your best behaviour; however this is a great opportunity to lead by example and instil in theses little ones at a young age that eating healthy is SO COOL!
We will give you a preview of the stress management portion as stress is huge factor in today’s society.
Eat Eggs for Breakfast – eggs are a great source of vitamin B which directly supports the nervous system.
Eat Regularly – eating regularly such as many small meals throughout the day will help stabilize the blood sugar. When your blood sugar is level you avoid the crash and burn effect and are more apt to be able to cope with stressful situations. Also, eating protein and good carbohydrates throughout the day will assist with blood sugar levels as well.
Eat Flax! – Ground flax seeds are filled with omegas which are known to be helpful with stress.
Learn Proper Breathing techniques – Diaphragmatic breathing has been around for centuries. We were born with the natural capabilities of deep breathing, but over time and with stress we began to breath shallow. Take deep breaths through your nose and into your belly. Repeating this 3 times will relax your body and mind. This is an especially great exercise to do before eating as it relaxes and prepares the digestive system for eating.
Get Active! – Walking, running, yoga, Pilates, summer sports – baseball or soccer. Try whatever activity you enjoy to get your blood pumping and to release those endorphins. Not only does exercise increase the feel “good hormone”, endorphins but it is also known to reduce stress hormones like, cortisol.
Supplements - Supplements can also be helpful when dealing with stress. A couple basic ones are B complex which helps support the nervous system and Magnesium which relaxes muscles in the body.
Hope your day is looking less stressful by the minute!
Your Nut Girls from Nutritional Balance, Bree and Jill
Great article gals and so happy the conference was a success! xo