There are numerous stressors in our lives, including your supervisor, the traffic, your mortgage, inflation, and your child's poor academic performance. What about the most recent conspiracy idea to surface? The American Psychological Association reports that 77% of Americans consider the future of their country to be a major cause of stress. Another disappointment to add to your stress level: even mild worry can cause weight gain. Your adrenal glands begin releasing the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline into your bloodstream when you're under stress, which causes stress-related weight increase.
According to endocrinologist Florence Comite, MD, founder of Comite Centers for Precision Medicine & Health, "if your cortisol is too high, this adversely affects your sugar metabolism, causing you to store energy as fat; you'll gain weight around your middle.
Overeating is another way that stress can result in weight increase. Chronic stress makes us yearn for comfort food, particularly "comfort foods" high in carbohydrates because they make us feel so much better that we keep eating them. And if that doesn't make you want to grab a doughnut, some meals can actually make you feel more stressed.
The worst stress-inducing foods frequently trigger compulsive eating episodes because they cause a sharp rise in cortisol levels as well as an increase in insulin when consumed, according to Atlanta sports medicine doctor and surgeon Kellie K. Middleton, MD, MPH. "Eating these foods causes a surge in the sugar followed by a quick drop, which can cause us to crave more sugary or processed snacks and can cause weight gain as the body is unable to efficiently regulate its blood sugar levels," according to the study.
Here are the best foods that can increase stress and result in belly fat and weight gain. Find out which are the best healthy eating tips from experts to help you avoid weight gain brought on by worry.
Here's some information about the 9 worst foods for stress-induced weight gain that you mentioned:
1. Croissants and Muffins: These breakfast pastries are high in calories, sugar, and refined carbohydrates, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and increase hunger cravings later on in the day.
2. Coffee: While coffee itself is not necessarily bad for weight gain, the added sugar, cream, and flavorings can add up in calories quickly. Additionally, caffeine can increase stress hormones like cortisol, which can lead to weight gain.
3. Spaghetti: Although pasta is a staple in many diets, it is high in refined carbohydrates that can contribute to weight gain, especially when consumed in large amounts or with high-calorie sauces.
4. Ultra-processed snacks: Chips, crackers, and other highly processed snacks are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and added sugars, making them a poor choice for weight management.
5. Soda: Regular soda is packed with sugar and calories, and diet soda has artificial sweeteners that can disrupt the body's natural metabolic processes and lead to weight gain.
6. Alcohol: Alcohol is high in calories and can also increase appetite, leading to overeating and weight gain. Additionally, drinking alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, which can also contribute to weight gain.
7. Waffles: Waffles are high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, and unhealthy fats, making them a poor choice for weight management, especially when topped with syrup or other high-calorie toppings.
8. Fried Foods: Fried foods are typically high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium, which can all contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
9. Pizza: Pizza is often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium, especially when loaded with cheese and other toppings. It is also typically high in refined carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
Overall, it's important to remember that no food is inherently "bad," but consuming these types of foods in excess can contribute to stress-induced weight gain. It's important to focus on a balanced diet and practice stress-reducing techniques to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.
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