1.How stress impacts your eating habits
When life gets overwhelming, it’s common to turn to food for comfort. This isn’t just a matter of willpower—it’s rooted in biology. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone designed to help our bodies handle emergencies. However, cortisol also fuels cravings for high-calorie, sugary, and fatty foods—quick sources of energy our ancestors needed for survival.
Today, with chronic stress from work or personal life, those cravings can lead to unhealthy eating patterns. Research from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research shows a strong link between prolonged stress and increased consumption of high-calorie foods.
The problem? The more we rely on food to manage stress, the more likely we are to develop patterns of overeating that harm our health.
Under stress, we tend to make poorer food choices. Fast food, sugary snacks, and processed meals often replace healthier options, creating a vicious cycle. While these foods provide temporary relief, they often lead to feelings of guilt or frustration afterward, which only intensifies the stress.
To break this cycle, it’s crucial to develop healthier stress-management techniques. Practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, and regular physical activity can reduce cortisol levels and help you cope without relying on food.