Top 5: the worst things you can eat when stressed

Many of us cope with our stress and worries by eating. The bad news is that what we crave: sugar and salty foods, could very well increase our stress levels and, on top of that, add a few pounds. Today we present our top 5: the worst things you can eat when stressed so you know which ingredients to avoid in those moments of nerves. We also provide healthy versions of each recipe for you to enjoy during your stressful times. Donuts (or any glazed product) By eating baked goods, especially those that are high in sugar, we stimulate digestion, causing the sugar in your body to rise. This results in a higher production of cortisol, the stress hormone. French fries Even worse than filling up on carbohydrates is doing so with saturated fats and too much salt. This way, you are just gaining weight without providing your body with any protein or nutrients. Ice cream This is often the first option that comes to mind when we feel worried or at least down. The bad thing is that it's pure sugar, and this only helps for a moment; when the glucose crashes, you'll feel worse than before and will end up with a few extra grams as a result. Soda It's the same problem with glucose; it turns out that drinking just one soda means ingesting at least ten sugar cubes. Diet versions are no better; new studies show that artificial sweeteners affect the blood and can cause diabetes. Cocktails If you are going to drink while stressed, it's best to stick to beer or some liquor with mineral water. What you should avoid are drinks like margaritas or piña coladas; the combination of alcohol and sugar is not beneficial at all and increases your glucose levels, making you more nervous, which is exactly the opposite of what you need.