Stress What is stress?Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. A balanced diet can support a healthy immune system and the repair of damaged cells. It provides the extra energy needed to cope with stressful events. Early research suggests that certain foods like polyunsaturated fats including omega-3 fats and vegetables may help to regulate cortisol levels.BREAKFASTAll kinds of proteins could be used for the morning breakfast including eggs, yoghurt and nut based smoothies (with fruit, preferably berries), dal dosas, warm lean meat chicken salad, avocado with eggs and cheese, spouted moong flour dosas, etc.LUNCH For the lunch, a single serving of whole grain carbs like 1 phulka or ½ cup rice/millet or ½ cup quinoa/amaranth with double the amount of protein (1 cup dal/legumes/2 eggs/125-150g chicken or fish/100g panir or tofu) with a serving of vegetable would be just right.DINNERAnd for dinner just a bowl of broken wheat/rice kanji/2 phulkas or millet rotis/1 cup of pulav with a serving or 2 vegetable would effect a much needed calming of the cortisol hormone.A warm glass of milk/buttermilk before bed may also weave in the final trick of putting the light bulb out.CURBING CRAVINGSStress tends to make us reach out to sweets or even excess food for no fault of ours. It's our brain messaging a falsified need for fuel. To break this, ensure you eat enough (enough, not too much), at the right times. Drink enough water in between meals and allow yourself about 15g dark chocolate daily.