We've all got that log of cookie dough in the back of the freezer waiting to come out at the end of a bad day. "People soothe stress with foods, and those that trigger the reward centers in the brain most effectively are salty, fatty and sweet," says Columbia University psychiatrist Drew Ramsey, M.D., author of The Happiness Diet and Fifty Shades of Kale.
In fact, recent research from Ohio State University shows that regularly eating high-calorie and high-fat foods when we're stressed also slows metabolism, a double whammy that can lead to an annual 11-pound weight gain. Here's what to avoid the next time you're stressed.
Glazed Doughnut
Baked confections actually increase anxiety, says Ramsey. That’s because without fiber to slow digestion of all that sugar, glucose levels spike, which in turn raises the stress hormone cortisol.
Pretzels
Beyond their satisfying crunch, pretzels are simple carbs that lift mood only briefly before sending it back to subterranean levels.
Potato Chips
Worse than overloading on simple carbs is stuffing yourself with trans fats. A study at Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that a diet high in trans fats leads to weight gain—specifically around the middle, where it’s most dangerous to your health.
Lattes
Yes, caffeine is a proven mood-booster, stimulating dopamine activity in the brain and lowering risk of depression. But sweetened coffee drinks can set you back a whole day’s calories and a week’s worth of sugar. And what’s worse, the post-sugar crash may send you back for, gulp, a refill.
Granola Bars
Most are just candy bars in disguise.
French Fries
This comfort food is packed with greasy fat, carbs, and probably trans fat, which data have linked to higher rates of depression, as well as belly flab.
Ice Cream
You know how it goes: The sugar spikes your levels of glucose and cortisol, plus the lactose can cause gastrointestinal distress if you’re sensitive.
Veggie Lo-Mein
This greasy, carb-heavy entrée delivers more blubber than bliss.
Soda
Drinking regular soda is like eating 10 sugar cubes. Diet soda isn’t any better: New research from the Weizmann Institute shows artificial sweeteners may affect gut bacteria that promotes obesity and diabetes. (If you need more proof that your diet soda habit isn't doing you any favors, this will do it.)
Nachos
Heavy cheese and simple carbs will not help you get your mellow on, no matter how much that plate of nachos tries to convince you otherwise.
Cocktails
"Sweet, hard-liquor drinks are easy to guzzle," says Ramsey. They can set you back more than 500 calories—we’re talking to you, mudslide, margarita, and piña colada lovers. You’ll also get a glucose and cortisol spike, which is the opposite of what you need.