From Stress to Strength: Los Gatos Personal Trainers Explain How to Break the Craving Cycle

Ready for some good news/bad news/good news about stress eating?

• The good news: stress eating is not a sign of weakness… and you’re NOT alone if a bad day sometimes sends you running for junk or comfort foods.
• The bad news: Stress eating is hard-wired into your system (thanks (?) to your hormones!)
• The good news: There are things you can do (starting today!) to short-circuit that wiring and take back control… because you’ve got goals to reach!

A quick rundown of why stress cravings happen: 

When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol (your main stress hormone). In the short term, it’s useful, but over time, it can create real havoc!

• Spikes ghrelin (“I’m hungry” hormone) → you feel hungrier even if you just ate.
• Lowers leptin (“I’m full” hormone) → it’s harder to feel satisfied.
• Pushes your brain to seek quick dopamine hits (a.k.a. comfort food).

No wonder relying on willpower can be such a challenge! That’s why our Los Gatos personal training team focuses on helping clients understand what’s happening in their bodies, not just how to power through cravings.

How to spot a stress craving:

1. You’re craving specific comfort foods (chips, wings, ice cream), not just “any food.”
2. It’s hard to stop thinking about the craving.
3. You feel mentally drained, tense, or ‘wired/tired’ more than physically hungry.

Suggestions from our Los Gatos trainers on how to disrupt the cycle: 

1️⃣ Do a 10-second assessment.
Ask yourself: “Am I actually hungry… or am I stressed/tired/overloaded?” Even this quick check-in helps you shift from autopilot to awareness.

2️⃣ Do something different.

• Go for a quick walk or take a stretch break
• Take a shower
• Do an activity you enjoy or tackle a quick home task you’ve been meaning to get to

3️⃣ Enjoy the food.
If you still want the food… eat a small amount of it with some protein and/or fiber to offset the blood sugar spike that may come afterward.

Here’s the big takeaway: When you learn to recognize stress cravings, it’s a lot easier to control them! If you’re ready to build awareness and take back control, our Los Gatos personal training program can help you develop habits that stick—cookies and all.

Committed To Your Success,
The Method3 Fitness Team