Ever find yourself devouring snacks when you’re stressed… or forgetting to eat altogether? It’s not just about willpower—your hormones are calling the shots! When you’re under stress, your eating patterns can change dramatically. Some people overeat, while others lose their appetite completely. These differences are largely driven by how our brains and hormones respond to stress. In this episode, Jen breaks it all down and shares how you can regain control.
SHOW NOTES
Do You Eat More or Less When You’re Stressed? Here’s Why
Ever find yourself devouring snacks when stressed… or forgetting to eat altogether?
It’s not just about willpower—your hormones are calling the shots.
When we’re under stress, our eating patterns can change dramatically. Some of us overeat, while others lose their appetite completely. This difference often comes down to how our brain and hormones respond to stress.
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Let’s break it down…
👉 Overeating?
Stress can increase cortisol, the hormone that makes you crave high-calorie, sugary, or fatty foods for quick energy and comfort.
That’s why so many people turn to emotional eating—using food as a way to soothe stress in the moment.
👉 Undereating?
Others experience a surge of adrenaline, which suppresses hunger by diverting blood flow away from digestion. Food suddenly feels unappealing or even nauseating.
Both reactions are completely natural—your body’s way of protecting itself. But when these patterns become long-term, they can lead to unhealthy habits, energy crashes, and weight fluctuations.
How to bring things back into balance:
🧠 If you tend to overeat:
– Practise mindful eating: pause before reaching for snacks.
– Drink water first—you might just be thirsty.
– Try alternative stress-relievers like deep breathing, walking, or journaling.
💪 If you tend to undereat:
– Schedule small, nutrient-dense meals throughout the day.
– Even if you’re not hungry, your body still needs fuel to function.
– Aim for easy-to-digest options like smoothies, soups, or energy balls.
Extra support:
– Eat from a red dinner plate—a surprising trick that can reduce overeating.
– Manage stress with movement, meditation, or aromatherapy (hello, Lavender or my Chill Out Blend!).
– Support your system with adaptogens to help avoid extreme swings.
The key isn’t to fight your body’s natural stress response—it’s to work with it, and give it the nourishment and tools it needs to thrive.
