As we mentioned, the foods we tend to reach for when we're stressed are typically higher in fat, refined carbohydrates, and sugar, which can be addictive and lead to excess weight gain. Therefore, Ilana said it's a good idea to keep these trigger foods out of sight and out of mind and not buy and bring them home, especially during stressful times.
Susan Peirce Thompson, a psychology professor with a PhD in brain and cognitive sciences, who studied why certain people's brains block them from losing weight, explained in her book Bright Line Eating that sugar elevates insulin levels, which block the hormone leptin and overload your dopamine receptors, which leads to insatiable cravings. So eating less sugar will help you crave it less.
Aside from being high in calories, these foods also affect your insulin levels. Jason Fung, MD, a nephrologist (kidney specialist), explained that processed carbs and sugary foods such as ice cream, cookies, crackers, and regular pasta spike your insulin levels. Keeping your insulin levels low will help you reduce your overall body fat percentage.
While enjoying these foods every once in a while is fine (and necessary for your sanity!), find healthier ways to satisfy your sweet tooth. "I find it handy to keep fruit on hand when sugar cravings hit," NYC-based registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator Rachel Stahl, MS, CDN, told POPSUGAR in a previous interview. "Fruits are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation throughout the body." You can also turn frozen fruit into ice cream. Noshing on these lower-sugar, lower-calorie foods is an easy habit to help with your lean-body goals.