Why stress is sabotaging your results

by Bronte Holding

Ever notice how a stressful day somehow ends in a snack drawer raid? You’re not imagining it, there’s actual science behind why stress makes you crave carbs, sugar, and literally everything in sight. It’s called cortisol, and while it’s meant to help us, it can seriously mess with our health goals when left unchecked.

Let’s break it down in plain English, and give you practical ways to deal. 👇

 

💥 What is cortisol, anyway?

Cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone. It’s released by your adrenal glands and plays a huge role in your “fight or flight” response. It helps keep you alert, regulates blood sugar, and even controls inflammation.

But here’s the thing: cortisol is meant for short-term stress, not 24/7 group chats, deadlines, and three iced lattes a day.

 

 

🍟 So... why does stress make you crave junk?

When your cortisol levels stay high for too long, your body starts asking for quick energy. Cue cravings for high-fat, high-sugar foods.

It’s your body’s way of preparing to “fight” or “flee”, but instead of running from danger, we’re just doom-scrolling in bed.

Chronic stress =

  • Increased appetite

  • Cravings for comfort food

  • Slower metabolism

  • Higher likelihood of water retention/inflammation 

Fun combo, right? 😅

 

🧠 The mind-body connection

Stress doesn’t just affect your mood, it affects your habits. You're more likely to:

  • Skip meals, then overeat or binge later

  • Eat mindlessly while distracted

  • Reach for energy spikes instead of nourishment

That’s not lack of willpower. That’s a nervous system trying to survive.

 

✅ What you can actually do about it

Let’s keep it real and practical:

1. Regulate stress before you regulate food
 → Add daily de-stress habits: walk, journal, breathwork, sunlight.
 → Start your day calm = fewer cravings later.

2. Eat balanced meals consistently
 → Skipping meals worsens cortisol swings.
 → Include protein, healthy fats & slow carbs = blood sugar stability = less hunger chaos.

3. Prioritise sleep like it’s a workout
 → Poor sleep = more cortisol = more cravings.
 → 7–9 hours a night can change everything.

4. Don’t villainise comfort food
 → It’s okay to emotionally eat sometimes.
 → The goal is awareness, not perfection.

 

💬 Final thoughts

Stress is part of life. But when cortisol stays high, it doesn’t just affect your mood, it affects your entire fitness journey.

Start small. Regulate your nervous system. Eat consistently. Be kind to yourself.

Because the healthiest version of you isn’t the one who never eats chocolate—it’s the one who knows why she’s reaching for it.

Love TWS coach Bronte x 

 

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