This Bustle article reveals an interesting fact about stress; according to one study, 75% of people seek out sugary snacks when stressed. There are a couple of different reasons why this happens. For one thing, as snacks that are packed with sugar tend to smell and taste great, our bodies tend to associate consuming them with an infusion of positive sensory input. Over time, our bodies can grow to respond to that sensory input with an endorphin release, which literally makes us feel good when we eat things like cupcakes, candy and soda. However, sugary snacks actually have the effect of making us feel more stressed out.
When we eat junk foods that are rich in sugar and easy to digest, our bodies metabolize them quickly, which has the effect of spiking our blood sugar. This can have a serious effect on our moods, making us feel temporarily euphoric and then somewhat depressed when the sugar rush wears off. Sugary snacks also tend to lack nutrients, which means that when we consume them, we add a lot of empty calories to our system without satisfying our hunger. So, the next time you feel a tension related craving for something filled with excess sugar like ice cream, eat some Greek yogurt instead. Not only will it be more filling, it’ll actually help calm you down.
Read the full article here: 5 Signs You May Be Stressed, And Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Them