When we're out of bandwidth, most of us go for the starchy, the sweet, the really-wrong-for-us. But eating the right foods can help you calm down and (hooray!) slim down too.
The new breakfast (and snack) of champions? Fortified bran cereal is packed with stress-reducers magnesium and folic acid, and the calcium has been shown in studies to reduce mood swings and anxiety in women with PMS. What's more, the extra fiber will carry you until your next meal, making it a great afternoon snack.
Even a small amount of weight loss can make a huge difference. Shedding just five pounds can not only improve your confidence, but also provide tremendous health benefits.
With fat-free ricotta and part-skim mozzarella, this cheesy casserole from Gina Homolka, who writes the blog Skinnytaste.com, has less than 400 calories per serving.