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Health For Mzansi

Stress plus junk food equals a perfect recipe for disaster

For most, reaching out for an unhealthy snack when upset or stressed is an unavoidable quick fix. Instant gratification is sought after but junk food like sugary or salty snacks are nothing but bad news

by Candice Khumalo
25th July 2023
in Trending
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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Stress plus junk food equals a perfect recipe for disaster

Many people resort to junk food when stressed or overwhelmed to try to soothe themselves. This can however lead to unhealthy habits if repeatedly used as a coping mechanism. Photo: iStock

Did you know the word “stressed” spelt backwards is “desserts”? It’s not uncommon to reach out for a snack to help soothe our nerves when stressed. Unfortunately, the snacks we tend to choose are often junk food, which can have negative consequences for our health and well-being.

According to Johannesburg-based dietitian Tabitha Hume, when people are stressed or sad, not enough serotonin is produced, which is the calm and peaceful chemical that makes them feel good.

So people tend to eat foods that stimulate the production of serotonin, which are high-GI, wheat flour, or cake-flour foods.

“Eating junk food may feel addictive because it makes blood sugar constantly go up and down, leading to increased hunger, cravings, and additional weight gain.”

Dietitian Tabitha Hume

She explains that carbohydrates and fats release glucose into your bloodstream very fast, and that causes the brain to release much more serotonin, which improves one’s mood.

Reaching out to junk food for comfort

Stress plus junk food equals a perfect recipe for disaster
Anele Ntombela from Utrecht. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

Anele Ntombela from Utrecht in KwaZulu-Natal says being stressed dramatically increases her junk food cravings and has caused unnecessary weight gain for her.

“When I’m stressed or sad, I notice an increase in appetite and a desire to eat sugary, salty, or fatty foods. I feel better after eating junk food, which leaves me wanting more. I’ve tried to exercise, but being soothed by food is much easier,” she says.

Stress plus junk food equals a perfect recipe for disaster
Amahle Nxumalo from the Free State. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

Also opting for junk food when sad or stressed, Amahle Nxumalo from the Free State mentions that this has led to a lot of weight gain but is sceptical about trying healthier alternatives.

“Junk food is tastier to me than healthy food, so I feel like it consoles me. It honestly doesn’t help; instead, the guilt of letting myself down by subjecting myself to more weight gain always strikes me,” admits Nxumalo.

A vicious cycle

Hume remarks that eating junk food can produce a temporary feeling of pleasure and relief, but in the long term, it can lead to a variety of health problems.

“If you are using food to improve your mood, you are not facing and dealing with the problem. The type of food that people eat to eliminate stress makes the blood sugar level rise quickly, causing the production of lots of insulin.

Stress plus junk food equals a perfect recipe for disaster
Tabitha Hume is a dietician based in Johannesburg. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

“The more insulin you have, the more prone you are to having lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and infertility. Junk food contains a huge amount of fat, which makes it more dangerous and may lead to being obese, which carries additional health-related problems.”

Break the cycle

Reaching for junk food when stressed may seem like a simple solution, but Hume advises people to break the cycle and consider healthier other healthier alternatives.

“Healthier alternatives would be having enough fruits and vegetables, slow-release carbohydrates, lean proteins, whole grain products, and definitely much more plant-based proteins like beans and lentils. A diet containing these can greatly improve mental health and create a much better mood.

Going for a walk, run, or any exercise can also dramatically improve one’s mood because not only does it improve circulation, but it also causes the release of endorphins, and endorphins are direct mood enhancers,” she adds.

Hume further encourages people to always try out other ways to manage stress levels without sacrificing their health.

ALSO READ: Kids and nutrition: Avoid the unhealthy takeaway route

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Tags: eating habitsFood medicineHealthy lifestyleMental HealthNutritionStress
Candice Khumalo

Candice Khumalo

Hailing from a small town called Utrecht in KZN, Candice Khumalo’s love for health comes from a burning desire to bridge the gap between medical knowledge and accessible information for the everyday person. Her early steps into the world of health journalism has been full of excitement and remains to be, as she continues to write her stories, one healthy word at a time.

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HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers