Alcohol
Similar to so-called comfort foods, many rely on having a drink or two to help themselves wind down at the end of the day. But, because alcohol is a depressant that affects the central nervous system, it’s also likely to change the way we process emotion, according to EatThis.com.
READ: These Foods Make Your Stress & Anxiety Worse
High Sodium Foods
This includes most processed and packaged foods, even when they’re labeled “low-fat.” Not only do these foods come with the convenience of not having to spend hours in the kitchen, they also come with a ton of sodium. According to PsychCentral.com, the excess sodium in these products can disrupt your neurological system, contributing to depression, and can muck up your immune system response, causing fatigue. Having too much salt in your diet can also contribute to weight gain.
Hydrogenated Oil
According to PshyCentral.com, anything that is cooked with hydrogenated oils and contains trans fats could potentially contribute to depression. So, you’ll want to stay away from (or eat sparingly) fried foods. Yes, this includes fried vegetables.