It’s not unusual to turn to food when you aren’t at your best, but eating the wrong thing worsens the problem. A nutritionist explains what is best to consume when sad or anxious.
We are what we eat. Researchers and medical professionals are actively using social media to draw attention to the dangers of poor diet while debunking myths associated with the modern lifestyle, including comfort food.
What not to eat when sad and anxious
What’s the first thing you do when you are battling emotions like anxiety or sadness? Resort to your comfort food, right? Studies have shown that a craving for salt is associated with underlying mental conditions, which make us turn to our favorite savory food.
If chips and crisps have been your pick to lift the mood, it’s high time you redefined your eating habits. A nutritionist on TikTok claims ultra-processed food makes symptoms of anxiety and depression worse.
Ilana Muhlstein Aka NutritionBabe suggests cutting down on ultra-processed food when experiencing unpleasant emotions as studies show they contribute to the problem.
This is backed by a research published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information, which concludes: Bidirectional associations exist between the intake of ultra-processed food and adverse mental health.
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The nutritionist says the biggest brands that mostly sell ultra-processed food items like chips and cookies want you to believe their products can help you feel better. But scientific studies say otherwise.
For the unversed, whole foods include fresh produce, minimally processed is when they are partly cooked or reduced from a natural form like separating corn kernels from the cob, while ultra-processed includes using the same to make chips by baking or deep frying.
The psychology behind eating to battle emotions
NutritionBabe goes on to explain the supposed trick big brands use to convince you to consume their products and it couldn’t be more relatable.
She says, most ultra-processed food items lack fiber, which is found in whole food and helps you keep full for a longer time.
However, if the packaging of the food item you usually binge eat doesn’t mention fiber among other ingredients, they are meant not to fill you up easily.
This tactic works efficiently when you aren’t thinking straight owing to your emotions and are easily manipulated into binge eating your comfort food without feeling full.
A recent study has revealed that people who add salt to food are at higher risk of suffering from cancer and most ultra-processed foods are rich in salt and sodium – all the more reason to stay away from your favorite chips and fries.
Ilana Muhlstein is a licensed nutritionist and dietician, known for her 100-pound weight loss transformation which she uses to educate her followers about a healthy lifestyle. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition and dietetics, a registered dietitian license, and a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics.
She is a well-known public speaker, media personality, and influencer, currently part of the executive leadership team for the American Heart Association.
