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 Desserts" is "stressed" spelled backwards! So desserts should undo stress, right? Not at all. In fact, your favorite "comfort food" may be just the thing that is causing you to be so stressed out. Sugar, caffeine, and cigarettes have been shown to have a negative impact on our physical health. Most of us realize this on some level, but we still eat cake, drink coffee or smoke. Everyone needs to be aware of the impact these substances are having on our day-to-day stress levels, but most especially the Single Parent. It's easy to use these indulgences for comfort when you carry a heavy load of responsibility, and just as easy to be unaware that these pleasures are compounding your stress. 

Sugar: 

Sugar gives most of us a quick energy boost. But after that rush, we are left with a lower energy level than before. Also, sugary foods, in general, have very little nutritional value, but leave us less hungry for things that are good for us. All of this can result in lower energy levels, lack of proper vitamins and minerals in our body, weight gain and overall poor health. The result? We stress out over how we feel and look!
Caffeine: We wake up and can't wait for that morning coffee! Soda and tea accompany our meals. Nothing really wrong with that, but what is it doing to our stress level? For some people, caffeine causes headaches, for others it makes them go away. It can cause sleeplessness, upset stomach, nervousness and increased blood pressure. Some folks become hooked on their caffeine and, when it is not available, they become grouchy, tired, and develop headaches. 
Cigarettes: 

Cigarettes speed us up. We smoke and our heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, and hormone levels increase. To cope with this, our bodies cry out for more vitamins and minerals. A lack of these, along with the other effects, causes us to be less healthy, and more stressed. Increased health care costs along with the initial cost of the cigarettes, puts a strain on our budget. Result? More stress. 
Time for a change? 
Want to feel less stress? 
Sugar, caffeine, and tobacco lead to increased physical and emotional stress. Over-indulging in two or more of these can really cause problems for you. Making the decision to cut back on your sugar and caffeine intake, or to stop smoking, can really make a positive change in your health and give you the physical resources to deal with the normal day to day stresses we all face.

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