The Worst Foods When You're Stressed
By Sara Butler
Everyone knows that feeling when you walk through the front door at the end of a challenging day and reach for that pint of ice cream in the freezer. There are plenty of situations in life that promote overeating, particularly stress. But the problem is that these foods are as bad for your body as they are for your mind and may actually make you feel worse once consumed. Here are some foods you should avoid when you’re feeling stressed since they can make your body’s stress response go kaput.
Alcohol
It can be nice to meet up with friends for happy hour after work, but alcohol will do more than just lower inhibitions, they’ll make you more prone to overeating more. Plus, too many drinks can lead to dehydration, which will make you feel worse.
When you rely on alcohol to help you deal with stress, it puts you at higher risk for abusing it, too. Remember that moderation is key. A glass of wine at the end of the day isn’t terrible for you but women should limit intake to one serving of alcohol per day and men two servings.
Energy Drinks
When you’re feeling stressed and run down you may reach for a quick pick me up in the form of an energy drink – but that’s a bad idea. Guarana is an especially concerning ingredient in most energy drinks because it can cause insomnia and nervousness. When combined with caffeine it can actually make anxiety and stress worse. If you’re looking for a little peace, then don’t reach for foods engineered to give you energy. It’s a recipe for disaster!
Diet Soda
You may have the good sense not to reach for sugary sodas when stressed but realize diet soda isn’t a lot better. Stress in and of itself increases the risk of glucose intolerance, a precursor to diabetes. Artificial sweeteners have been found to induce glucose intolerance by altering the bacteria that live in your gut, making it bad for your health! Just drink water instead!
Snack Cakes
Prepacked, cream filled, highly processed snack cakes are a big no-no! They have little nutritional value and when you’re stressed you’re more prone to overeating, so having these bad boys in reach will just set you up for failure.
One of the best ways to take care of your body is through what you eat. When you're feeling stressed, nourish your body -- don't eat things that can make it worse!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mansfield, Tex.