8 Foods You Should Absolutely Never Eat When You're Stressed

Although complex carbohydrates can help give you the energy lift you need to power through a taxing day, there's nothing complex about pretzels. In fact, they're as basic as the Uggs in the back of your closet. You'll get a temporary spike in energy, but it'll leave you back on the floor before too long.

Instead, go for some carrots. Their bite-sized nature offers the same rhythmic repetition as repeatedly reaching into a bag of pretzels, and they're full of good-for-you fiber and potassium.

Soy (a major ingredient in tofu) tends to be high in copper, which has been linked to higher than usual stress levels. Moreover, tofu tends to be made mostly of GMO ingredients, which many criticize for their still-unknown health effects. Plus, tofu's not exactly a grab-n-go food, if you know what I mean. If you're feeling stressed or rushed, best to opt for something else. 

Instead, grab a pack of wild-caught salmon (those little snacks packs are perfect for when you're in a tizzy). Mix it with some avocado oil, or squeeze a little lemon juice over it and top with salt and pepper. Salmon is chock full of Omega-3 fatty acids, which has well-documented stress-fighting superpowers.

This one's probably a no-brainer, but just in case, go ahead and skip the candy if you're feeling stressed out. Turns out, the term 'sugar rush' has some very real implications, especially when you're stressed. Bite into a chocolate bar and you're bound to give yourself a massive glucose spike, but little in the way of sustainability.

Instead, snack on strawberries for a similar rush of sweetness. Plus, eating around the leafy tops will force you to slow down and snack mindfully, which should give you a nice bit of centering if you're feeling stressed.

While coffee is a great source of energy, it's also a great source of … well, energy … which can be tricky if you're feeling stressed. Odds are, the coffee will boost your mood momentarily, but it'll probably leave you feeling tweaky. Coffee can be particularly dangerous if you're stress-slurping a sugary coffee drink like a Frappuccino or flavored latte. The added sugar isn't doing you any favors, and odds are, the caffeine will send you into overdrive before you have a chance to calm down.

Instead, brew a cup of tea. Black or Rooibos will probably be your best bet, but chamomile is especially well-known for its calming effect.

Whether you opt for an energy drink, an energy bar, or a pack of those weird energy gummy blobs, proceed with caution. These snacks are usually full of sugar and carbohydrates.

If you need to refuel and re-energize, go with a handful of nuts instead. A quarter cup of almonds should hold you over until you can get a proper meal in you.

I know it sounds blasphemous, but if you're feeling freaked out, wine might not be your best bet. Alcohol is a depressant, and is widely known to raise Cortisol levels (related to the stress hormone).

Try a mild edible, instead. If you're dealing with chronic stress, small bite might give you the peace of mind to relax without going too low — just make sure you ask a dispensary professional or consult a doctor to help you find the right kind.

More often than not, stress is your body's way of saying it feels out of whack — often on a nutritional level. Aside from the fact that fried foods pack next to no nutritional value, who has time to wait for something to fry if you're feeling stressed? Add in the fact that fried foods are usually loaded with fat and salt, and you're looking for a recipe for sluggish stress.

If you want the familiar crispness of french fries, drizzle a sliced sweet potato (packed with fiber and beta-carotene!) with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pop it into the oven, and do some deep breathing exercises while it bakes. You'll be feeling calmer in no time. 

The next time you wake up in a rush to get to work, fight the urge to grab something to eat on the go — like a muffin. They're usually devoid of protein, packed with empty carbs, and chock-full of sugar. Odds are, the muffin will provide an easy glucose spike off the bat, but you'll be feeling hungry, cranky, and stressed again in an hour.

The better bet is a big plate of eggs. They're packed with Vitamin D and full of slow-digesting protein, meaning you'll stay full and focused until your mid-morning snack. Don't have time to cook in the morning? Opt for the hard-boiled route for a breakfast with even less stress!