Stress Eating: Why It’s Normal (But Needs a Better Snack Plan!)
Let’s paint a familiar picture: A rough day at work. A long to-do list. An unexpected argument. Or just that indescribable wave of ugh you can’t quite explain. And suddenly, there’s your hand in a pack of chips or finishing that entire bar of chocolate you swore you’d save. Sound familiar? Welcome to stress eating. And guess what? It’s normal. You’re not “weak.” You’re just human. What is Stress Eating and Why Does It Happen? Stress eating—also known as emotional eating—is your body’s built-in coping mechanism. When you're emotionally overwhelmed, your brain seeks comfort, and food (especially carb-loaded, salty, or sugary options) provides instant gratification. Here’s what’s happening inside your body during stress eating: Cortisol spikes: The stress hormone increases both your appetite and cravings. Dopamine releases: Eating comforting foods provides a temporary “feel-good” boost. Comfort = familiarity: You crave foods tied to cozy, happy memories—think Maggi, cream biscui...